Mathew Nevin Thomas vs Union Of India

Anil K.Narendran, J

Heard the learned counsel on both sides.

In terms of the orders of this Court, the learned Assistant Solicitor General of India has filed a statement. Along with the memo filed the learned

Senior Government Pleader, certain Government Orders are placed on record.

By the order dated 10.06.2021, this Court directed the learned Senior Government Pleader to get instructions as to whether the workers engaged

for doorstep collection of waste generated in households and commercial establishments, engaged by various residential organisations, in the absence

of doorstep collection of waste by the local authorities, can also be included in the list of Front Line Workers, since everyday they are having contacts

with large number of residents in their respective areas.

Today, the learned Senior Government Pleader would submit that inclusion of menial workers collecting waste from households and residential

complexes in the list of Front Line Workers is under consideration of the Government, as stated in the memo dated 11.06.2021. The said submission

made by the learned Senior Government Pleader is recorded.

The learned Standing Counsel for the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd., who is also the Standing Counsel for the National Health Mission,

would submit that though the Corporation invited a Global tender for procuring vaccine from international market, they could not get even a single

tender. This is the same position in so far as other states in the country are concerned.

The learned Senior Government Pleader would point out that the average daily vaccination in the State is around 1.5 lakhs, which can go up to 2.5

lakhs, since the State is having infrastructure, subject to availability of sufficient quantity of vaccine.

The learned Assistant Solicitor General would submit that the modalities in the matter of supply of vaccine in terms of the revised guidelines, which

will come into force with effect from 21.06.2021, are being worked out and that, he requires time till 15.06.2021 to get instructions.

The learned counsel for the petitioners in W.P.(C).No.10661 of 2021 and also the learned counsel for the petitioner in W.P.(C).No.10888 of 2021

would point out the necessity of having spot registration, on account of difficulties faced by public, especially senior citizens, in securing a slot for

vaccination in the online portal. The learned counsel for the Kerala

Private Hospital Association would point out the necessity to have vaccination through private hospitals, in terms of the revised guidelines.

The learned Senior Government Pleader seeks time to get instruction in this regard.

List these matters on 16.06.2021 for further consideration.