Bengaluru : On July 10, 2024, the Hon’ble Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria called for urgent action to tackle the growing dengue outbreak in Karnataka. This came after reading a heartfelt “Letter to the Editor” published in the Deccan Herald on July 9, 2024, written by Vijaykumar H.K. from Raichur. His letter pointed out the slow government response and the need for expert-led efforts to address the dengue crisis.
News Reports Resounding the Panic
Several news reports highlighted the seriousness of the situation. An eleven-year-old boy’s death due to suspected dengue, reported by the Deccan Herald on July 7, 2024, and the Times of India’s report on July 9, 2024, revealing that Mahadevapura alone had 27% of the dengue cases, showed the dire circumstances. Additional reports from The Hindu noted persistent issues with water stagnation despite claims from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about their efforts.
The High Court Of Karnataka response
In response, the court used its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution to treat the letter as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The court highlighted that the right to health is a fundamental part of the right to life under Article 21. It stressed the state’s duty to ensure a healthy environment and adequate medical facilities, especially during health emergencies.
Orders to State Authorities
The court issued urgent notices to the Karnataka government, BBMP, and relevant health authorities, instructing them to provide detailed responses by July 23, 2024, on:
- Preventive and remedial measures to curb the dengue spread.
- Availability and adequacy of medical facilities and infrastructure.
- Public awareness initiatives.
- Efforts to control mosquito breeding.
The Registrar General was directed to ensure the notices were delivered immediately. The State and BBMP’s legal representatives acknowledged the notices and committed to addressing the court’s directives.
This judicial intervention is a crucial moment, calling for a swift and coordinated response to the dengue crisis. For doctors and lawyers, it highlights the important link between public health and legal action, showing the judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights and holding the government accountable. The upcoming responses from state authorities will be vital in shaping Karnataka’s fight against dengue and ensuring public health protection.