In Brief

This suo motu petition addressed the Supreme Court's response to a fatal fire at Rajkot Covid Hospital on 26 November 2020, which killed COVID-19 patients. The Court held that the right to health is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. It directed all States to appoint nodal fire safety officers in Covid hospitals, conduct monthly fire audits, enforce No Objection Certificates, and strictly implement COVID-19 Guidelines and SOPs including testing, social distancing, and containment measures. The Court also regulated election campaigns during COVID-19, requiring adherence to Election Commission guidelines limiting group sizes and ensuring health oversight. The matter was listed after four weeks for further consideration of States' compliance affidavits.

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