In the wake of acute shortage of medical oxygen across the country, the Union Home Ministry has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, which guarantees that the movement of vehicles carrying oxygen stocks would not be hindered.
The order states that medical oxygen suppliers cannot be restricted to supply only within the states where they have their manufacturing plants.
It added that in case of any authority intercepting or hindering the movement of such vehicles, the District Magistrate (DM), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the area will be personally liable.
Meanwhile, taking suo motu cognisance of the COVID19 situation in the country, the Supreme Court has asked the Centre to put in place a national policy on issues relating to the supply of oxygen, essential drugs and method of vaccination.
Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said that the related matters pending before the High Courts may be withdrawn as different courts dealing with issues “create confusion”. At least six High Courts — Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Calcutta, Allahabad — are hearing matters related to shortage of oxygen and Remdesivir.
“We see that 6 High Courts are taking action. We appreciate that. But this is creating some confusion and diversion,” said chief justice of India (CJI).
The court proposed to take cognizance on four issues – supply of oxygen, supply of essential drugs, method and manner of vaccination, state’s power to declare lockdown. The CJI wants to issue notice for a national plan on these COVID-related issues. Senior advocate Harish Salve is to assist the SC as amicus curiae.