Writ filed seeking school closure until measles outbreak reduced

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court (HC) seeking directives to keep all schools across the country closed until the ongoing measles outbreak is brought under control, following reports of 47 child deaths.

The petition was filed on Thursday (April 2) by Supreme Court lawyer Latif Jahan Purnima, naming the secretary of the Health Services Division and other officials as respondents.

The petitioner also sought the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe the deaths and submit a comprehensive report to the court.

The report is expected to include detailed data on fatalities, infection rates, vaccination coverage, vaccine availability, and measures taken to contain the outbreak.

Additionally, the writ calls for an independent, time-bound investigation into alleged failures in the vaccination programme, including vaccine shortages and delays in preventive measures.

The petition argues that the failure to ensure timely immunization and adequate healthcare services constitutes a violation of Articles 27, 31, and 32 of the Constitution.

It also urges the court to order an emergency nationwide vaccination drive and ensure sufficient supply of vaccines, syringes, and related logistics.

The writ further states that inadequate measures to limit contact in schools amid the outbreak pose a serious risk to public safety and children’s lives.