Risk of ostracisation in disclosing names of Covid-19 patients: Bombay HC

The petitioner further submitted that non-disclosure of names would deprive citizens of their right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The HC had earlier enquired why the petitioner wanted to know the names of persons and how far one could go in revealing the identity of Covid-19 positive persons since the issue of privacy was involved.

“If a person takes all precautions like washing hands, using sanitizer, head shields and avoiding crowds then nothing will happen. Everything depends on you. Whether the person in front of you is declared a Covid-19 suspect or infected. Try to avoid congregation. Wear masks, head shields & wash your hands. What is the purpose to be served by disclosing names? There is always a risk of ostracization,” said Chief Justice Datta.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh for Centre and Assistant Government Pleader Nisha Mehra for state government opposed the plea and said similar petitions were dismissed by at least four other high courts. They also said the Madhya Pradesh High Court had even imposed costs upon the petitioner for filing a “frivolous” petition.

The HC asked petitioners to respond to the governments’ positions and posted further hearing next week.