On Thursday, the Orissa High Court, in a brief but significant order, directed the Odisha state government to ensure that “all the migrants in queue to come to Odisha should be tested negative of Covid-19 before boarding the conveyance.” On Friday, the Supreme Court stayed this order, holding that the High Court did not take into account relevant guidelines notified by the government of India. The high court order raises critical questions on the role of judiciary in fighting the unprecedented crisis.

Orissa court order on testing migrants highlights needless judicial intervention in Covid-19 crisis