Expressing anger over the indifferent attitude of the Telangana government in implementing its directions on the conduct of tests for Coronavirus, the state high court on Monday threatened to prosecute the health department officials for contempt of court.
The high court, which was hearing arguments over a public interest litigation over poor conduct of tests in the state, lashed out at the state government for ignoring its earlier orders, including conduct of tests on the dead bodies.
“If you don’t implement the court orders, we would be compelled to take action against the health department authorities for contempt. We shall hold the principal secretary of medical and health and director of public health responsible,” the court warned.
The officials told the court that the high court orders were challenged in the Supreme Court, which has to take up investigation.
The court, however, said till the Supreme Court issued stay orders and complete the investigation, the high court’s directions have to be implemented.
The court expressed anger over the department not conducting random tests on the people for Covid-19.
It also found fault with the government for not supplying enough personal protection equipment (PPE) kits to the doctors, which was responsible for several doctors falling prey to the virus.
The high court also warned the government against giving fudged statistics in the media bulletins and said it amounted to contempt of court.
“If the government does not disclose facts, how do people know the intensity of the virus spread?” the court asked and directed that the medical and health department submit an affidavit in this regard by June 17.