In Brief

This suo motu writ petition was filed based on media reports showing horrific conditions at LNJP Hospital in Delhi, a Covid-dedicated facility, with patients lacking oxygen, saline drips, or attendants while dead bodies lay in wards. The Court found widespread mismanagement: large numbers of beds vacant despite desperate patient admissions, declining testing rates, and non-compliance with dead body management guidelines. The Court held that the State has a constitutional duty to ensure adequate infrastructure, staff, and faithful implementation of guidelines through constant supervision and monitoring, not merely announcing bed availability. The matter was adjourned for status reports from States and the Centre on patient care, infrastructure, and testing.

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