PIL filed in SC for ban on 'Ganesh Utsav' due to swine flu

However, the apex court refused to grant early hearing to the petition.

The petition filed by advocate Dilip Anna Saheb Taur accused the government of not taking effective measures for protection against the deadly virus.

The PIL, mentioned before a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, also sought a direction for the centre to allow private hospitals to admit swine flu cases and allow treating patients as per the guidelines of Health Ministry.

Apart from seeking a ban on public festivals such as 'Dahi Handi' to be celebrated on August 14, and 'Ganesh Utsav' which is to start on August 23, the PIL sought a direction for setting up thermometer machine, provision of adequate staff and separate clinical rooms at every international and domestic airports for the purpose of establishing necessary infrastructure.

The petition also sought a direction for the centre to prepare a necessary action plan and direct all states to shut down schools, if necessary, for a particular period.

Further, the PIL said, the centre should make N-95 masks available to people free of cost.