On June 2, 2025, the Delhi High Court emphasized the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and directed the Union Government to submit a status report on the implementation of policies related to sample collection, collection centers, and sample transport. Justice Anish Dayal highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting widespread reports of active COVID-19 cases in the community .

This directive stems from a contempt plea filed by Dr. Rohit Jain, who alleged that the authorities failed to comply with a previous court order from January 27, 2023. That order had instructed the Central Government to establish guidelines for sample collection and related procedures within 12 weeks.

In response, a meeting was convened on May 30, 2023, chaired by the Additional Director General of Health Services, with Dr. Jain in attendance. During this meeting, a decision was made to form four expert sub-committees in the fields of pathology, biochemistry, haematology, and microbiology. These committees, comprising members from Central Government Hospitals, were tasked with defining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, collection centers, sample transport, and storage standards.

However, the court noted that no updates had been provided regarding the outcomes of this meeting or the progress of the sub-committees. Justice Dayal remarked that while the formation of these committees might technically address the contempt petition, the lack of tangible progress is concerning, especially given the current active status of COVID-19 in the community.

The court has now called upon the Union Government to provide a detailed status report on the decisions made and actions taken following the May 30, 2023 meeting, emphasizing the need for urgent and concrete measures to address the ongoing pandemic.

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