The Delhi High Court has directed the Union Government to file a detailed status report within six weeks regarding the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for COVID-19 sample collection, storage, and transport. The directive was issued by Justice Anish Dayal on May 28, 2025, in response to a contempt petition filed by Dr. Rohit Jain.
Background of the Case:
The contempt petition, CONT.CAS(C) 824/2024, stems from an earlier order dated January 27, 2023, passed in W.P.(C) 1843/2019. Following this order and a representation by the petitioner on February 3, 2023, a meeting was convened on May 30, 2023, under the chairmanship of the Additional Director General of Health Services. Dr. Rohit Jain was invited to attend the meeting in accordance with the Court’s directions.
In that meeting, a decision was made to form four expert sub-committees in the fields of pathology, biochemistry, haematology, and microbiology. These committees, comprising members from Central Government Hospitals, were tasked with formulating SoPs related to sample collection, sample collection centres, transport policies, and storage standards.
Court’s Observations:
Despite the formation of the sub-committees, no update was provided by the respondent on the progress or outcome of the May 2023 meeting. The Court noted, “There is no update provided by the respondent as to what has been the result of the meeting held on 30th May 2023 and the decision taken.”
Justice Dayal acknowledged that while “on first blush, the Contempt Petition may not subsist,” the lack of clarity on the steps taken post-meeting is a “serious issue,” especially given current reports of active COVID-19 transmission in the community.
The Court remarked that while it believes some protocols may already be in place, it is “imperative for the respondent to place the same on record.” It emphasized the urgency of the matter in light of media reports indicating a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and stated that the government must “crystallize an urgent set of measures” to ensure implementation of the decisions taken in the previous meeting.
Direction to the Government:
The Court instructed Ms. Monika Arora, Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC), to personally ensure that the concerned officers are apprised of the Court’s directions and that a status report is filed within six weeks.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 18, 2025.
Case Title:
Dr. Rohit Jain vs. Sh. Apurva Chandra
Contempt Case (Civil) No. 824 of 2024
