PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday pulled up the State government “for proceeding to carve out exceptions in favour of residents of Goa entering into the State; persons entering Goa for work; and persons who have vaccination certificate” despite its “clear and unambiguous” orders to ensure that no persons are permitted entry into the State unless they possess a negativity certificate obtained within 72 hours from the time they seek entry into the State.
The State government was forced to assure the High Court that it will issue fresh orders in which no exceptions will be granted.
“The two District Magistrates either on their own or otherwise, have proceeded to carve out exceptions in favour of residents of Goa entering into the State; persons entering Goa for work; and persons who have vaccination certificates. Thereafter, by yet another order dated 09.05.2021 the District Magistrates have carved out an exception for persons entering in Goa for a medical emergency on production of proof or coming in an ambulance,” the High Court bench of Justices M S Sonak and Nitin Sambre, said.
“The District Magistrates were bound by our Order and could not have by themselves or otherwise modified our order or refused to comply with our orders. Fortunately, even the Advocate General for State of Goa does not defend the action of the District Magistrates and states that by today evening, necessary amends will be made in the orders issued by District Magistrates so that the orders are entirely consistent with our interim directions,” the High Court recorded.
“The statement is accepted and the District magistrates are directed to act accordingly,” the High Court said.
The High Court while also pledging to take up the matter of oxygen supply on Wednesday has asked the Goa government to file affidavits “explaining the actual position at the hospitals will be necessary in order to enable us to appreciate the issue.”
The Dean of Goa Medical College and the Director of Health Services have been asked to file affidavits by tomorrow explaining the real position at government run hospitals -- at the Goa Medical College Hospital and the South Goa and North Goa District Hospitals, as also at the ESI Hospital.
“We suggest that the Director of Health Services obtain inputs from the Nodal Officers at these facilities and file an affidavit before us. The affidavit to indicate whether lack of oxygen supply continues to be the cause for any casualties. The affidavits also give particulars about ventilators, HFNO machines, etc. in the context of supply of oxygen,” the High Court said.
The High Court also directed a representative of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors to file an affidavit before us on the issue of supply of oxygen at the various facilities where their members are called upon to discharge their duties. Even such an affidavit should be filed by tomorrow itself.
