SC stays Delhi HC’s Contempt Proceedings Against Centre, Asks For A Plan By 10:30 am Tomorrow
Mumbai: The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the order of the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt proceedings against central government officials in connection with the alleged failure to procure and supply oxygen in states including Delhi.
However, it gave the Center a deadline of 10:30 am for Thursday to place before it a “comprehensive plan” to ensure that Delhi received its quota of 700 metric tonnes of oxygen.
The verdict of the apex court was announced when it was hearing the Center’s plea against the Delhi High Court order of contempt notice issued on Tuesday. The apex court has also suggested that the Center should take a signal from the Mumbai Municipal Authority in managing the supply of oxygen.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that the judges of the apex court are also based in Delhi, and they can imagine what the citizens of the capital are going through due to a shortage of medical oxygen. A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said, “We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through.”
The Supreme Court also held that keeping the officials in jail would not bring oxygen to Delhi, while the Center asked about supplies to the capital from 3 May. The apex court further said that this is an all-India epidemic, and it is important to find ways to ensure oxygen supply, as we are not accountable to the people of Delhi.
It emphasized that the pandemic in Delhi is a very critical stage and asked the Centre to inform by evening how 700 MT oxygen supply is maintained daily for the next four days.
The Center presented before the court that it had provided 550 metric tonnes of oxygen to Delhi, but the apex court reiterated that even if the Center demands oxygen for the number of patients it would have to provide 700 metric tonnes.
The hearing began in the afternoon on Wednesday after the Centre moved the top court challenging the High Court threat to pursue contempt charges against officials for non-compliance with its earlier order. Chief Justice N.V. Ramana placed the matter before a bench of Justices Chandrachud and M.R. Shah.
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