The issue is lingering for the past 10 years but neither the Central nor the state govt is taking adequate measures to contain it.
'Be the change you want to see' is what Kamal Mohan Gupta believes in as concerned by the multiple deaths caused by Encephalitis in Bihar, he had recently filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the syndrome.
Being an advocate himself, his daily routine is no less hectic. Travelling to work from his high-rise in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, he faces huge traffic jams and other issues. But being a responsible citizen of the country, he realises that his duty towards other members of the society is of greater importance.
In this regard, Gupta on Monday appeared before the bench of justices from Supreme Court, Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, to argue the PIL filed related to encephalitis deaths, that took place in Bihar's Muzaffarpur city.
The litigation raises issues of grave concerns and importance related to medical facilities, nutrition, sanitation or hygiene with regard to the 'killing' syndrome.
Talking to City Spidey on this subject, Gupta said, “Everyday news headlines were highlighting the death of young children. I am a parent too. Aggrieved and disheartened by the deaths of more than 150 children, mostly in the age group of 1 to 10 years, in the past few weeks made me go deep into the issue. What was troubling me more was the escalating toll. As a law-abiding citizen of the country, fellow human being and president of the legal cell of International Human Rights Organization, it became my prime duty to do something to mitigate the suffering of the parents and children.”
In reply, the apex court too admitted that it is a matter of great concern which should be addressed without any delay. Further, it has directed the Centre and the Bihar government to file their response to the medical care facilities being given in the state within 7 days. Besides, the bench of justices comprising Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai asked the state government to file an affidavit on the adequacy of nutrition, sanitation and the prevailing hygienic conditions in the region.
Kamal Mohan Gupta has been a practising lawyer for the past 20 years, handling majorly criminal cases. He was the man behind the plea filed in Allahabad High Court, which suggested that children of bureaucrats and other officials across Uttar Pradesh should be sent to government schools of the state in order to set an example for the general public.
With this PIL, Gupta has given a ray of hope to many such parents whose kids are affected by this virus.
