Amid concerns over COVID-19 situation, oxygen shortage, SC seeks ‘national plan’ from Centre
As the country grapples with the current wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court Thursday told the Centre that it wants a ‘national plan’ on issues including supply of oxygen and essential drugs for treatment of patients infected with the virus.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the prevailing grim situation across the country, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said it would also consider the matter pertaining to the method and manner of COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
The bench, also comprising Justices L N Rao and S R Bhat, said it would examine the aspect relating to the judicial power of the high courts to declare lockdown amid the pandemic.
It further said that at least six high courts are hearing COVID-19 related matters, leading to “confusion and diversion of resources” based on different priorities. The apex court-appointed senior advocate Harish Salve as an amicus curiae to assist it in the suo motu proceedings.
The bench issued notice to the Centre and said it would hear the matter on Friday. “We, as a bench and as a court, wish to take suo motu cognisance of certain issues,” the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The top court said at least six high courts — Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Calcutta and Allahabad — are dealing with issues pertaining to the prevailing situation. It said these high courts are exercising their jurisdictions in bona fide and in the best interest.
