Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has directed the State government to submit a detailed report on the number of deaths caused by Covid-19 in the State.
The court while directing the Health Family Welfare Department to submit a district-wise list of deaths, has listed the matter for further hearing on July 5.
A public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the court seeking a special audit into the deaths related to Covid-19. However, the court rejected the PIL as it didn't follow the PIL rules, but consider the case due to its significance.
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The court took the matter seriously as there are discrepancies in the government data on Covid deaths.
The Court directed the Advocate General to present the matter in a separate case during next hearing.
“The High Court has directed the Additional Chief Secretary to the Health and Family Welfare department to submit a report regarding the district-wise fatalities and sought a reply whether the department has carried out inquiry into the deaths of Covid patients,” lawyer Nishikant Mishra said.
The Court rejected the PIL citing that the petition didn’t follow the Orissa High Court Public Interest Litigation rules. However, the matter associated with the petition assumes significance. So, the court will hear it in separate petition on July 5, he added.
According to media reports, there is a huge disparity between cremation of bodies with Covid protocols and data provided by different district administrations regarding Covid deaths.
The petitioner has also sought details on Covid testing and vaccination in rural areas in the State.