(Deeak Misra and Prafulla C. Pant, JJ.)
Pankaj Sinha ________________________________________ Petitioner
v.
Union of India and Ors. ___________________________ Respondent(s)
(With appln.(s) for exemption from filing O.T. and office report)
Writ Petition (Civil) No. 767 of 2014, decided on January 13, 2015
The Order of the court was delivered by
Order
1. In pursuance of the orders dated 1st September, 2014 and 13th October, 2014, a counter affidavit has been filed by the Union of India. Mr. Maninder Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General appearing for the Union of India, has fairly submitted that the stand of the petitioner that leprosy is curable by administration of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) which is available since 1981, is not in dispute, but it will depend upon many a facet. Needless to say, curability is admitted depending upon the degree. As advised at present, we are of the convinced view that more progressive steps are required to be taken by the Union of India and the States. It would be advisable, if the Union of India and the States can think of having Leprosy Cure Centres, where medication follow up and other treatment protocols are followed in proper prospective so that the stigmatic disease is eradicated or reduced to a significant percentage. Mr. Maninder Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General and other learned counsel appearing for various States pray for four weeks’ time to obtain instructions in this regard.
2. List the matter on 16th March, 2015.
3. Reply/status report, if any, by the petitioner, be filed in the meantime.
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