"Non-compliance will invite criminal action": Delhi High Court warns authorities

Delhi High Court said if non-compliance is noticed, then the concerned authorities will be subjected to criminal action because non-compliance "is likely to result in grave loss of life."


Delhi High Court had flayed the Centre for the way it has been dealing with issue of oxygen supply in Delhi, after which it gave new instructions to all authorities on Thursday to strictly comply with the orders regarding oxygen supply, reported The Times of India. The High Court said if non-compliance is noticed, then the concerned authorities will be subjected to criminal action because non-compliance "is likely to result in grave loss of life.

A bench of justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli gave the order after observing the current situation of Delhi hospitals where either oxygen has completely exhausted or depleted to the level that it may last only for few hours. The HC said the Centre on Wednesday had increased the allocation of oxygen to 480 metric tonnes but Delhi did not receive the promised quantity by Thursday.

The bench noted that 140 metric tonnes of allocated oxygen from the Air Liquide plant in Panipat had also been obstructed by the local authorities. The court ordered the Centre to keep a check on the transportation of oxygen and provide medical oxygen without any hindrance.

The HC ordered the Centre to create a special corridor for immediate transportation amid adequate security. The Supreme Court also issued a notice to the Centre and asked for a "national plan" on oxygen supply, medicines and vaccines.

 

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