Supreme court
Supreme Court Directs Centre to Frame Policy on Disaster Management
The Supreme Court of India has directed the central government to frame a policy on disaster management, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and M.R. Shah was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, who argued that the government's response to the pandemic has been inadequate and that a comprehensive policy on disaster management is needed. The court observed that the pandemic has highlighted the need for a robust disaster management framework in India, and that the government must take proactive steps to prepare for and respond to disasters. The bench noted that the existing laws and policies on disaster management are inadequate and do not provide sufficient guidance to state governments and other stakeholders. The court directed the centre to frame a policy that takes into account the principles of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response. The policy should provide for adequate funding, infrastructure, and human resources to support disaster management efforts, as well as mechanisms for coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders. The judgment is significant, as it highlights the importance of promoting disaster risk reduction and management in India. The court's decision is expected to impact the lives of millions of people in India, and will help to promote resilience and sustainability in the face of disasters. The judgment is also likely to impact the use of technology in Indian disaster management, particularly in the context of digital surveillance and cybersecurity. The court's emphasis on the need for a comprehensive policy on disaster management highlights the importance of promoting proactive and preparedness-based approaches to disaster risk reduction. The court's decision is a significant step towards promoting disaster risk reduction and management in India, and is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's disaster management framework. The judgment is also likely to impact the use of executive power by the Indian government, particularly in the context of disaster response and recovery. Overall, the Supreme Court's decision is a significant development in the evolution of Indian law and is expected to promote disaster risk reduction and management in the country.
