PIL Filed in Apex Court, seeks declaration of Financial Emergency under Article 360, due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

(Judicial Quest News Network)

A public Interest Litigation has been filed in Supreme Court seeking to direct the Central Government to declare ‘Financial Emergency’ under Article 360 of the Constitution.

The National Lock down imposed to curb the transmission of COVID-19 pandemic.

The petitioner a think-tank Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) States that the lock down cannot be managed as per section 144 CrPc. Or notification under Disaster Management Act 2005 or provision of Epidemic Disease Act 1897.

That the country is going through a pan-India epidemic.It requires unified strategy and actions by various State Governments in federal structure.

This Epidemic is said to have come to India from foreign countries and it must be addressed jointly by whole nation without internal geographical restrictions.

Divergence of steps taken by different authorities are causing confusion and lawlessness in no way can be solution to a problem as grave as COVID-states the petition.

This is biggest emergency in independent India and it must be addressed as per Constitutional provisions through unified command between Central and State Governments.

This will be required not only to defeat the war against coronavirus but also in recovery of the Indian Economy after Lockdown is over.

The petitioner prayed to the Sc to direct the Central Government to impose financial emergency in the country as per the Article 360 of the Constitution of India as an interim measure, the petitioner prayed for.

1.Necessary directions for suspension of collection of utility bills (Electricity, Water, Gas, Telephone, Internet) and EMIs payments

2.Direct the State police and local authorities to strictly comply with home ministry instructions so that essential services are not disrupted.

[Read Petition]