Pankaj Mehta vs Govt. Of Nct Of Delhi & Anr

D.N.Patel, CJ

Proceedings in the matter have been conducted through video conferencing.

C.M.No.30744/2020 (exemptions)

Allowed, subject to all just exceptions.

The application is disposed of.

W.P.(C) No.9587/2020

This public interest litigation has been preferred with the following prayers:-

“(a) Issue a writ order or direction in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, thereby giving directions to the

Respondents to follow stringent measures of safe disposal of used swabs for Rapid Antigen Testing of COVID-19;

(b) Issue a writ order or direction in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, thereby giving directions to the Respondents to

form specific guidelines on the conduct of and waste disposal in the testing of the novel Coronavirus,

(c) Issue a writ order or direction in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, thereby giving directions to the Respondent to

carry out safety audits at COVID-19 testing centers across the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and

(d) Any further order(s) or direction(s) as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in favour of the Petitioners and in the interest of

justice.â€​

We have heard learned counsel for the parties. Learned counsel for the respondents submitted that detailed guidelines have been issued by the

concerned respondent authorities and they are at Annexures 1 & 2 to the list of documents filed by the respondents.

We have perused the said Annexures and it appears that detailed procedures/protocols have been prescribed for safe disposal of the human swabs

used for Covid-19 Rapid Antigen testing. We expect from the respondent authorities that the guidelines, procedures/ protocols as mentioned at

Annexures-1 & 2 of the documents filed by the respondents, shall be scrupulously followed.

The petitioner, appearing in person, does not seek any further directions.

With these observations, this writ petition is hereby disposed of. The petitioner is at liberty to file appropriate proceedings in case the aforesaid

guidelines, procedures or protocols are not followed in any particular individual case.