Schools Must Stay Shut Till Measles Outbreak Subsides: High Court Petition

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking directives to keep all educational institutions closed until the outbreak of measles across the country is brought under control. The petition was submitted on Thursday (April 2) to the relevant bench of the High Court.

Along with this, the petition has also demanded the formation of a high-level investigation committee over the recent deaths of 47 children due to measles.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Purnima Jahan filed the writ petition. The petition also seeks a rule against the respondents for their failure. A High Court division bench is likely to hear the matter today or next week.

The petition has asked for a rule asking the respondents to show cause. It questions why their inactivity and failure in preventing and controlling measles should not be declared illegal, arbitrary, and without lawful authority.

The petition states that failure to ensure timely vaccination, inability to maintain vaccine supply, and shortages in healthcare facilities and emergency response clearly violate the Constitution.

The writ also seeks directives for the respondents to immediately launch an urgent vaccination campaign, ensure the supply of syringes and necessary logistics, and establish adequate medical facilities, specialized units, and ICU support across the country for emergency treatment.