Supreme Court asks Centre to ensure Delhi gets 700 MT oxygen

The Centre moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court show-cause notice over the ongoing oxygen crisis in Delhi and the court in turn asked it to ensure Delhi gets 700 MT oxygen.

Before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that according to an expert panel of eminent public health experts, which included NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V.K. Paul, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria and ICMR Director-General Balram Bhargava, Delhi does not need more than 415.43 MT.

The apex court stayed the contempt notice issued by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday against the central government officers for failing to comply with its directive to ensure that 700 mt of oxygen was supplied to hospitals in Delhi which are reeling under a severe shortage.

“We direct that by 10.30 am tomorrow (Thursday), the Centre shall place a comprehensive plan in the form of a chart, indicating the manner in which the direction for allocation of 700 metric tonnes shall be complied with. Sources of supply, position of transport and other logistical requirements are necessary,” a Special Bench comprising justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

“Some study must be there on procurement, supply and allocation. You have to come with a comprehensive plan on this,” Justice Shah said.

While granting the stay on contempt against the officials, the top court on Wednesday had made clear that it was not stopping the high court from monitoring COVID-19 management related issues.