Pulling up the State of Rajasthan for detaining cryogenic tankers moved by INOX from the State, the Delhi High Court on Monday, April 26, 2021 observed that any intervention in the Central Government's plan for supplying medical oxygen in the Country would "tantamount to endangering hundreds of human life, if not more."
It stated, "It serves no purpose for anyone to cause any obstruction in the smooth flow of much needed Medical Oxygen. Stoppage of tankers by one State would have snow balling effect, and would eventually adversely impact the concerned State as well."
The division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli also went ahead and observed that it serves no purpose for anyone to cause any obstruction in the smooth flow of the much needed medical oxygen supply.
The observation came on the submission made by INOX stating that their four cryogenic tankers were detained by the State of Rajasthan after they were moved from the State in order to service the transportation arrangement from the plants of Air Liquide.
To this effect, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the Centre gave assurance to the Bench that strict action will be taken on such incidents and that it shall be ensured that the tankers are freed so that they can proceed to their destination for the propose of filling and supplying liquid medical oxygen.
Additionally, noting that since the distribution plan had been worked upon by the Central Government after taking into consideration the needs of all the States and UTs, the Court observed that any concerns arising before any State should be addressed to the Virtual Central Control Room, already created by the Central Government, which consists of Nodal Officers representing the States.
During the course of hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma apprised the Court about the directions issued by the Central Government to all custom offices as regards to taking steps for prioritising clearance of imported equipments for setting up and operating RTPCT testing centres.
Another issue raised was that of non-availability and consequent black marketing of Oxygen cylinders which was taking place rampantly in the national capital. To this, the Bench directed all the refillers to provide information with regard to the supplies made by them and to be present in the hearing scheduled.
Furthermore, the Court also directed the 3 major stakeholders - the hospitals, Delhi government and the suppliers of oxygen, to get together and conduct a meeting on priority basis at 5 PM on Monday (April 26, 2021) to discuss modalities of, and issues in oxygen supply to hospitals across Delhi.
