HC questions stoppage of ambulances

Hyderabad The Telangana High Court on Tuesday pulled up state authorities for stopping ambulances carrying Covid-19 patients from Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad. The court took serious note of reports that Covid patients coming to Hyderabad for treatment were stopped at inter-State border and were turned away. A division bench of Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy questioned the authorities as to how can they stop ambulances when there are no restrictions on inter-State movement. "Is this humanity," the court asked. It wanted to know who gave the order to stop ambulances.

The court on Tuesday took up hearing of petitions relating to Covid situation in Telangana. Police commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda and commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) appeared before the court. The court voiced its unhappiness over ineffective implementation of night curfew. The bench wondered if the state government plans to take further measures for Covid control after Ramzan. It wanted to know why the gatherings at religious places were not being controlled. The court expressed disappointment over the drop in number of Covid tests. It observed that while the court is directing for ramping up testing, the authorities are further cutting down on the numbers. It remarked that flouting court order is unfortunate and warned that officials may have to face contempt of court proceedings.