Order of the High Court Judicature at Patna in the matter of Shivani Kaushik Vs Union of India & Others dated 03/05/2021. The matter related to addressing COVID-19 situation in Bihar.

The High Court noted that in its previous order of April 15, 2021, the court had directed the government of Bihar to prepare a comprehensive action plan to fight the upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the state. This was also reiterated in the HC orders of April 17 and April 19, 2021. The court rejected the document presented by the state on April 21, 2021 saying that it can in no way be treated as an action plan and that "in the absence of action plan, the healthcare system qua COVID-19 appears to be moving aimlessly".

The HC also took note of the black marketing of essential drugs including oxygen in Bihar and there are scenarios where one government hospital was raising demand and obtaining more oxygen cylinders compared to another having more number of oxygen beds exclusively dedicated for treating COVID patients. The slow pace of reporting of RT-PCR test is a matter of serious concern, which would adversely affect the quick treatment of COVID patients, the Bihar High Court in its order, May 3, 2021 said.