HC issues notice to govt on jaundice outbreak

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court Monday issued notice to the state government asking it to furnish details showing as to what steps have been taken in due course to check the jaundice menace in Sambalpur district.

Taking up a PIL in this regard, a division bench headed by Chief Justice Amitava Roy issued the notice asking the government to file its reply in form of a counter affidavit within ten days.

At least 17 persons have died due to jaundice in recent days while several others are now undergoing treatment in Sambalpur town and its adjoining places when the water-borne disease assumed epidemic proportion triggering a hue and cry in the state.

A Sambalpur-based social activist Shyamakanta Bisi last month had approached the High Court through his advocate Gangadhar Samal seeking adequate compensation to the victim's kin and a direction to the government to take measures to check the menace.

Seeking a detailed action taken report within ten days, the High Court has fixed January 21 for next hearing of the matter, said Samal.