Oxygen Crisis | SC to hear Centre's plea against Delhi HC contempt notice over oxygen supply

A special Supreme Court bench will assemble to hear the Centre’s appeal against the Delhi HC order issuing contempt over the state and centre officials for not meeting the oxygen supply requirement of the state health facilities.

On 4 May 2021, the Delhi High Court had directed the Centre to show cause as to why contempt should not be initiated against it for failing to comply with its order on the supply of oxygen to Delhi for treating COVID-19 patients.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta approached the bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana. The CJI-led bench directed that the Centre’s plea be listed before a bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud. The law officer also wants the matter to be heard on 5 May, but the bench has left it to the convenience of Justice Chandrachud.

“I have mentioned the matter before the Listing Registrar. There is some urgency. It needs to be heard today. An order has been passed by the Delhi High court yesterday regarding the oxygen issue. The High Court has asked the Central government officials to be present in person in contempt,” the law officer said.

The Supreme Court, in an order passed on April 30, had directed the Central Government to
rectify the oxygen deficit of NCT of Delhi on or before midnight of May 3. The direction
was passed based on an assurance of the Solicitor General that the oxygen needs of Delhi will be
met.