BackCOVID-19: SC seeks Centre's response on plea seeking evacuation of pilgrims in Iran
According to the petition, the pilgrims started their journey in December 2019 and were scheduled to return in late FebruaryThe petition seeks directions for providing all possible medical help to the stranded pilgrims, till the evacuation is carried out
PremiumNEW DELHI : The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Central government on a petition seeking immediate evacuation of Indian pilgrims stranded in Iran's Qom amid coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant will next hear the matter on 30 March.
The petition also seeks directions for providing all possible medical help to the stranded pilgrims, till the evacuation is carried out. The petition further urges the top court to ensure that passengers are quarantined in the manner prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the petition, the pilgrims started their journey in December 2019 and were scheduled to return in late February. The petitioner’s relatives were scheduled to return on the 6th of March. However, during the interregnum COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe.
The pilgrims include old aged persons, who suffer from ailments such as hypertension, diabetes and require regular medical care, the plea stated adding that two persons have already died. Also, there are reports which state that about 250 people among the pilgrims have tested positive for COVID-19, the plea noted. All the pilgrims are forced to stay in hotel rooms with 4-5 people in one room which has raised the threat level of infection due to coronavirus very high.
The Apex court is functioning through video-conferencing amidst the 21-day nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19. Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde argued the case.
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