The Delhi High Court decided to forgo with a requirement of providing Doctors prescription for getting tested through RT-PCR Tests for COVID 19 saying that there cannot be a delay for the same. The Court said that they were providing additional 2,000 RT-PCR tests, so if a Delhi resident wanted to test himself/herself for COVID 19 through their own expense, a prescription from a doctor is not mandatory to be produced.
Any person who is demanding the said test would be required to fill-up the form prescribed by ICMR along with the Aadhaar Card to establish that they are a resident of Delhi was said by the Division Bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Subramonium Prasad.
The Court also directed the Delhi Government to deploy a minimum of 4 mobile facilities for testing in each of the 11 districts, which also included prominent terminals of the Delhi Metro.
A map indicating testing facilities that have been set up in Delhi and display them at prominent spots of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation so that the commuters can have the knowledge to access the sites which were closest to their location was directed to the Delhi Government.
The Courts concern was because of the steep rise in COVID 19 infection in Delhi from 30th August, 2020 and find that figures alarming. An Advisory recommending testing on demand for all individuals who are traveling where negative COVID 19 test is compulsory can get themselves tested was issued by ICMR.
Private laboratories are directed to prioritize RT-PCR samples sent to them by Delhi Government. If any additional samples were sent in private laboratories it should be entertained and reports for the same should be given without delay.
The name of the case is Rakesh Malhotra vs Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi & others. This case was heard through video conferencing. The order was passed on 8th September 2020.
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