India Faces Covid-19 Surge: Delhi HC Demands Centre’s Response
New Delhi: India is grappling with a rise in Covid-19 cases, with the national tally reaching 3,961 active infections, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In response, the Delhi High Court has directed the central government to submit a comprehensive report detailing the measures being taken to address the uptick, particularly in the capital, where 47 new cases were reported, bringing the city’s active case count to 483.
The court’s order follows a plea by advocate and petitioner Rakesh Malhotra, who raised concerns about the increasing infections and the need for updated guidelines to manage diagnostic laboratories. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, emphasized the urgency of the situation, scheduling a follow-up hearing for June 25, 2025. The court also noted that the lack of regulatory oversight for labs poses a significant public health risk, especially as cases climb.
Among the states, Kerala leads with 1,435 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 506, and Delhi with 483. Other states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, also reported significant numbers, contributing to the national total. The Health Ministry’s data highlights a sharp increase from 2,710 cases on May 31, with 360 new infections recorded in the last 24 hours alone.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal voiced alarm over the rising cases, urging the central government to act swiftly to ensure hospitals are adequately prepared. He stressed the importance of timely interventions to curb the spread and bolster healthcare infrastructure.
The surge coincides with reports of new Covid-19 waves in Asian countries like China, Thailand, and Singapore, prompting Indian authorities to enhance surveillance and preparedness. The Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, with states like Delhi issuing advisories to ensure hospitals are equipped with necessary resources, including oxygen and beds.