<p>As the country grapples with the current wave of Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the prevailing grim situation and said it wanted a “national plan” on issues, including supply of oxygen and essential drugs for treatment of patients infected with the virus.</p>.<p>A bench headed by Chief S A Bobde said it would also consider the issue pertaining to method and manner of Covid-19 vaccination in the country.</p>.<p>The bench, also comprising Justices L N Rao and S R Bhat, said it would examine the aspect relating to power of the high courts to declare lockdown amid the pandemic.</p>.<p>The apex court appointed senior advocate Harish Salve as an amicus curiae to assist it in the suo motu proceedings.</p>.<p>The bench issued notice to the Centre and said it would hear the matter on Friday.</p>
<p>As the country grapples with the current wave of Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the prevailing grim situation and said it wanted a “national plan” on issues, including supply of oxygen and essential drugs for treatment of patients infected with the virus.</p>.<p>A bench headed by Chief S A Bobde said it would also consider the issue pertaining to method and manner of Covid-19 vaccination in the country.</p>.<p>The bench, also comprising Justices L N Rao and S R Bhat, said it would examine the aspect relating to power of the high courts to declare lockdown amid the pandemic.</p>.<p>The apex court appointed senior advocate Harish Salve as an amicus curiae to assist it in the suo motu proceedings.</p>.<p>The bench issued notice to the Centre and said it would hear the matter on Friday.</p>