Khushi
Delhi High Court on Thursday directed all authorities to strictly obey with the orders related to oxygen supply or face criminal action.
A Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli instructed after the central government on Wednesday was blamed over its handling of the supply of medical-use oxygen in the capital.
“Non-compliance will be viewed very seriously since non-compliance is likely to result in grave loss of life. We put everyone on notice that non-compliance will invite criminal action,” the Court declared.
The Court commented, “The position in Delhi has turned precarious, with several hospitals reporting either complete exhaustion of oxygen or depletion to the level that it may not last for the next few hours.”
The Central government was directed to ensure the strict compliance of the Allocation Order of oxygen to help hospitals replenish their diminishing stocks.
The Justices further said, “We direct the central government to peremptorily ensure strict compliance of the Allocation Order dated April 21, 2021, its own order passed on April 22, 2021 under the Disaster Management Act, and our order dated April 21, 2021. We also direct all the authorities concerned, who are bound by the allocation order, and the order passed under the Disaster Management Act, to ensure its strict compliance.”
The Central government was further ordered to ensure adequate security to the lorries transporting oxygen and remove any hindrance on their way.
“Looking at the present emergent situation, we direct the central government to ensure that adequate security is provided to the lorries transporting oxygen, and there is no obstruction on the way. For this purpose, a special corridor be created for immediate transportation of the oxygen. Other aspects of the matter, which are listed before us, shall continue to be taken up hereafter,” the court said.