KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) has sought a written clarification from the Ministry of Health and Population for the latter’s inability to execute RT-PCR test free of cost.

After a hearing on the petition filed to seek free test of coronavirus pandemic as done in case of the President, Prime Minister and Ministers, the apex court demanded a written cause of the government’s failure to carry out such tests free of cost to the public.

The SC has asked the authority to submit answer in writing within 15 days.

A single bench of Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal directed the government to submit clarification after hearing on the writ filed by advocates Keshar Jung KC and Lokendra Bahadur Oli.

The writ petitioners had claimed that providing PCR tests free of cost to the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Ministers and other dignitaries, and charging the people for the same tests is discriminatory and against the spirit of the Constitution.

The SC has summoned the writ petitioners and the government to the court on September 24 for further discussion on the issue.