Delhi High Court urges Centre for update on Covid-19 sample collection policies

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to submit a status report on decisions taken regarding policies for Covid-19 sample collection, sample collection centres, and sample transport, observing that the "next Covid-19 pandemic" remains active in the community.

A single-judge bench of Justice Anish Dayal emphasized the urgency of the matter on May 28, citing reports indicating ongoing community transmission of Covid-19. The court noted that it had not received an update from the Centre following a meeting held on May 30, 2023, which was convened to address these issues.

“While at first glance the contempt petition may not subsist given the decision to form sub-committees, the ongoing pandemic and any vacuum in post-meeting actions remain serious concerns,” the court remarked.


The contempt plea was filed by Dr. Rohit Jain, alleging non-compliance with an earlier Delhi High Court order dated January 27, 2023. That order had directed the central government to treat Jain’s representations regarding minimum standards for sample collection and transport as a formal request and to issue a reasoned decision within 12 weeks.

Following the court’s directive, a meeting chaired by the Additional Director General of Health Services took place on May 30, 2023. Dr. Jain attended the meeting, during which four sub-committees of experts in pathology, biochemistry, haematology, and microbiology were constituted to draft standard operating procedures for sample collection, centre operations, and transport policies, including storage standards.

The court acknowledged that while steps have reportedly been initiated and protocols established, it remains essential for the authorities to formally place these developments on record.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 18.

(With inputs from TOI)