The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to submit an update on COVID-19 testing protocols as cases begin to rise again. The court stressed the need for proper policy on sample collection, centres, and transportation.
The Delhi High Court instructed the Union Government to provide a detailed status report concerning its actions on the policy for sample collection, collection centers, and the transportation of samples, emphasizing that the “next COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.”
The court expressed concerns over the unclear actions taken following a meeting on May 30, 2023, highlighting the urgent need to finalize and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
It pointed out numerous reports of COVID-19 cases within the community, stressing the need for prompt and effective measures.
This directive was issued in response to a contempt plea filed by Dr. Rohit Jain, who claimed that authorities had not complied with previous court orders requiring the establishment of minimum standards for sample collection and transportation.
During a recent hearing, Justice Anish Dayal was informed by government counsel Monika Arora that a status report would be forthcoming.
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It was also noted that a meeting chaired by the Additional Director General of Health Services occurred on May 30, 2023, following a court order from January 27, 2023.
Four expert sub-committees comprising specialists in pathology, biochemistry, hematology, and microbiology from central government hospitals were assigned the task of defining SOPs for sample handling and storage.
Despite these developments, the court reiterated the necessity of ensuring that the decisions made in this meeting lead to concrete outcomes.
The case is scheduled for further hearing, with the Union Government required to submit its status report by July 18.
As of 8 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025, India has recorded 3,961 active COVID-19 cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the total number of COVID-19-related deaths rising to 32 since January, including four new fatalities reported since Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Advocate Ms. Mrinmoi Chatterjee, appeared for the petitioner.
Advocates Ms. Monika Arora, CGSC, along with Mr. Subhrodeep Saha, Mr. Prabhat Kumar, and Ms. Anamika Thakur represented the respondents.
Advocate Mrs. Prerna Dhall, appeared on behalf of the Union of India (UOI).
Case Title: DR ROHIT JAIN v. SH APURVA CHANDRA
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