Ensure Delhi gets 700MT oxygen, SC tells Centre; stays HC contempt order

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order which had issued a show-cause notice for contempt to the Centre for failing to meet the Oxygen supply benchmark in the national capital.

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud observed that hauling up government officers for contempt of court will not solve the Oxygen crisis faced by Delhi.

The Centre and state governments are doing their best amid the oxygen crisis and it is pointless to jail officials for contempt, the bench added.

The apex court also directed the Centre to place before it by 1030 hrs on Thursday a “comprehensive plan” to ensure that Delhi received its quota of 700 metric tonnes of oxygen.

The top court also clarified that the stay will not restrict the HC from monitoring the COVID-19 management-related issues.

Pointing out the success model of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in handling the pandemic situation in Mumbai, the Court asked the Centre to hold a meeting with municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to adopt measures in Delhi.

 “Tell us from today and Monday what modalities will be put in place to secure 700 MT oxygen for the City. Rest we can re-look at on 10th May,” said Justice Chandrachud.

The Centre, meanwhile, said 351.56 metric tonnes of oxygen had reached Delhi by noon today. Some tankers are in transit, too, and oxygen supply had improved in the city since last night, it said. (UNI)