HC directs Centre to increase TN’s share of corona relief funds

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice R Hemalatha before whom a plea which sought to direct the state to ensure 100 per cent testing of all persons, who were exempted from the lockdown and were performing services involving public contact, for COVID-19, said, “In the opinion of this court, the fund allotment to Tamil Nadu is not adequate, whereas states which have got lesser number of coronavirus infected patients have been allotted more funds.”

However, the bench on noting that this court is not against the allotment of more funds to others states, but is concerned about Tamil Nadu getting lesser funds, said, “Therefore, the Centre may positively consider increasing the amount.”

The bench in its order on recording the submission of Additional Advocate General PH Arvindh Pandian that a status report would be filed regarding checking those who have been exempted from the lockdown, said, “Even though Tamil Nadu has got more COVID-19 positive patients, it is stated that their family and friends have not come forward to subject themselves for test as well as for quarantining.” 

Based on this, the bench appealed to persons who have travelled abroad recently, their family members and friends to subject themselves voluntarily for testing and quarantining as the same would enable controlling the pandemic.