Gauhati HC Directs State Government to Setup COVID-19 Testing Labs in Nagaland

The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court issued directions to the government of Nagaland on April 27, 2020. It is with regard to setting up of at least two testing labs of COVID-19 in the state. The directions were passed while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by a resident of Kohima. The court asked the government to file an affidavit. Being that, they are required to show their preparedness. A statement has to filed showing materials already supplied for the personnel who are in the line of duty amid the pandemic.

The Petitioner highlighted that there are no COVID-19 testing labs in the state. Samples sent to Assam and Manipur which caused the unwarranted delay in the testing process. Taking note, the Gauhati HC has issued directions to the state government. In effect, the government has to make at least two testing labs functional within 10 days from the date of such directions.

The State Government directed to make efforts to establish labs at strategic places in the state to facilitate free testing in the near future. Adding to it, supply of PPEs of standard quality should be ensured. The court directed that the persons in quarantine centres need to be looked after. That ambulances must be available for COVID-19 patients at the earliest. Lastly, the Gauhati HC asked the government to file its replies addressing all the concerns raised by the petitioner.