New Delhi (NVI): The Supreme Court today took a suo motu cognisance of the present Covid-19 situation of the country and asked the Centre to present a national plan on Covid-19 management, covering all the issues.
The apex court will take up the matter for hearing again tomorrow.
Noting that at least six high courts are hearing matters pertaining to Covid-19 management, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said this is creating some confusion and diversion.
He said the apex court wants to issue notice for a national plan which includes four issues including supply of oxygen, supply of essential drugs, the method and manner of vaccination and the power to declare lockdowns.
“We as a court wish to take suo motu cognisance of certain issues. We find that there are 6 High Courts -Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Calcutta and Allahabad. They are exercising jurisdiction in their best interest. We appreciate that. But it is creating confusion and diversion of resources,” the CJI said.
Yesterday, hearing a petition filed by Max Healthcare, the Delhi high court questioned why the Centre is not diverting oxygen from petroleum and steel industries for medical exigencies when corporates are doing that.
“We don’t care, beg, borrow, steal or requisition new plants if you want,” said the judges asking the Centre to ensure oxygen supply for Covid-19 treatment.
Since February, the Covid-19 situation in the country has been worsening steadily.
India has recorded 3.14 lakh new infections today, which is the highest daily rise recorded in the world.
Shortage of beds, oxygen has made the situation more precarious and many states have announced lockdowns.
–PRT
