The possibility of a senior citizen testing positive for coronavirus is higher than that of a middle-aged individual. Senior citizens are expected to stay at home and maintain least contact with anyone else to save themselves.
The Supreme court on Monday directed all the states to file a detailed affidavit specifying the steps which have been taken up by the government in order to provide facilities to protect the elderly. The affidavit shall contain detailed information of the same. This decision was taken by the bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan. A time limit of 4 weeks has been given, and thus the date of the proceeding has been shifted further.
The petitioner, Former Law Justice and senior advocate Ashwini Kumar who was a petitioner in the matter submitted that the states have filed reports which are not sufficient for the matter. The petitioner said that the older people are being identified on the basis of pensions being paid, the pensioners belong to different states and have different schemes.
Bench of Justices included R. Subhash Reddy and M.R. Shah, the 3 justices took this decision on a video call as social distancing norms are to be followed. During the hearing, Dr. Ashwani Kumar said that the reports filed are not sufficient. The details shall be provided and the petitioner also pointed out the maltreatment against elderly done in the past.
Measures such as supplying masks, sanitizers, medicines and other essential items for the elderly have to be undertaken. Kumar argued that the elderly needs more care and protection amid the pandemic. He suggested that the senior citizens who are already undergoing treatments shall be given priority.
The court while taking a decision, directed that, “Further, as and when any individual request is made, the same shall be attended to by the administration with all promptness. The care givers of those old age homes should be provided personal protection and appropriate sanitization should also be undertaken in old age homes. Let all the states file their reply affidavits to the averments made in the application within four weeks,”
NEWS REPORTED BY:
VRIDHI BHAGNARI.
