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Judgment
After passing of the order dated 9-5-1997 further affidavits have been filed on behalf of the Union of India as well as on behalf of the various State Governments and Union Territories. We have perused the same. We find that State Councils for Blood Transfusion have been set up in all the States and Union Territories in accordance with the directions given by this Court. We also find that steps have been taken for licensing of the existing Blood Banks and steps have also been taken for discontinuing the operation of Blood Banks which have not been granted licences. Thus, the directions given by this Court in the judgment dated 4-l-1996 in that regard have been complied with. As regards further steps to be taken in pursuance of the directions contained in the said judgment we direct that the National Council for Blood Transfusion, in coordination with the State Councils, shall take necessary steps to ensure proper functioning of the Blood Banks which have been licensed and establishment of new Blood Banks (duly licensed) so that the need for blood in the various parts of the country can be met at short notice. The National Council shall also take steps to augment the availability of blood in the Blood Banks by organising voluntary donation camps and by creating social awareness among the people about the need for voluntary donation of blood so that the prevailing practice of securing blood from professional blood donors is eliminated. With these observations we close this matter. While doing so we place on record our appreciation for the initiative taken by Shri H.D. Shourie, appearing in person on behalf of the petitioner-Society, in taking up this matter and for the assistance rendered by him to the Court. The writ petition is disposed of accordingly. The contempt notices which have been issued are discharged.