Overview

• The court has directed the Union Government to submit a comprehensive status report on sample collection, transport and storage protocols for COVID-19 by July 18, 2025.
• This directive arose from a contempt plea by Dr Rohit Jain, who accused authorities of ignoring a January 2023 order to establish minimum testing standards.
• Four expert sub-committees formed in May 2023 were tasked with drafting Standard Operating Procedures for collection centres, transport and storage, yet their recommendations have not been published.
• India’s active COVID-19 caseload stands at 3,961, with Kerala and Maharashtra reporting significant spikes and Delhi accounting for 483 active cases.
• The case is listed for further hearing on July 18, and Central Government Standing Counsel Monika Arora has been instructed to ensure the report is filed on time.