Chikungunya crisis: SC asks Arvind Kejriwal, Najeeb Jung to hold meeting
The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all the authorities concerned to cooperate for the benefit of the people of Delhi to address the problem of rising chikungunya and dengue fever cases.
In its order, a bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and L. Nageswara Rao, hearing a suo motu petition, said: “In our opinion, for the general interest of the people of Delhi and considering the fact that a large number of people are affected by dengue and chikungunya, it would be appropriate if a meeting is convened by the lieutenant-governor tomorrow (October 5) at 2.00 pm.”
The bench said, “The participants should resolve issues relating to the better management of the problems faced by the people of Delhi due to dengue and chikungunya — and other issues, if so advised. The interests of the people of Delhi are paramount. The solicitor general says that he will request the chief secretary of the government of Delhi to convey this to the lieutenant-governor.”
The bench listed the participants in the meeting, namely: chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, health minister Satyendra Kumar Jain, SDMC commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel, EDMC commissioner Mohanjeet Singh, NDMC commissioner P.K. Gupta, Naresh Kumar, chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation, DMRC chairman Mangu Singh, general manager of the Northern Railway A.K. Puthia, chief secretary of Delhi K.K. Sharma, Union health secretary C.K. Mishra, DDA vice-chairman Uday Pratap Singh and B. Reddy Sankar Babu, chief executive officer Delhi Cantonment Board. The amicus curaie, Colin Gonsalves, will also be present in the meeting.”
The order said that the lieutenant-governor will be assisted by an officer of his choice in the meeting. The bench directed the matter to be listed again on October 6 for further orders.
“We make it clear that no substitute will be sent in case anyone amongst these officers is not available for any reason. It has been brought to our notice by the learned solicitor general that certain remarks have been made against the incumbent health secretary, Mr Bharti. The remarks are not taken note of at all since we are of the view that the entire matter should be looked at in a spirit of co-operation.”
The bench directed the matter to be listed again on October 6 for further orders.
