'SC Has To Intervene, Can't Be Mute Spectator,' Says Top Court; Asks Centre To Clarify Plan To Deal Covid Crisis

SC Hearing On Oxygen Crisis: A three-judge Supreme Court bench on Tuesday asked the central government to clarify their plan to deal with the ongoing health crisis in the country. The top court said that HCs can monitor but Supreme Court can not be mute spectator at time of national crisis.

Supreme Court

A Supreme Court Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, L Nageswara Rao and Ravindra Bhat on Tuesday heard the Suo Motu case registered to examine COVID-19 issues such as the supply of essential drugs, manner of vaccination, and lockdown.

The top court bench said that the high courts are in a better position to monitor the situation in individual states but Supreme Court has to intervene because there may be national or systemic issues.

"At time of national crisis, Supreme Court cannot be mute spectator. We have to step in when we feel so and we need to protect the lives of people. We intend to play a complimentary role to high courts. HCs have a valuable role to play. Our role will be to coordinate efforts between states" Justice DY Chandrachud said.

The court asked the Centre to describe their plan to deal with the ongoing health crisis in the country.

Justice S Ravindra Bhat told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, "I want to flag two issues that are under the Centre. First is the use of central resources, including paramilitary doctors and paramedics, Army facilities and doctors, the Railways. These are common facilities that can be made available for quarantine, vaccination, medication. What is your national plan to deal with the crisis? Is vaccination main option to deal with it?"

Mehta told the apex court that "Matter is being treated at the highest executive level and the state machinery. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dealing with the issue. We are handling the situation very carefully." 

Post hearing the arguments and on the basis of documents presented the Supreme Court in its order, asked the Government of India to explain the basis and rationale adopted with respect to the pricing of anti-COVID vaccines and  other necessary items.

The court further asked the Centre to file replies by Thursday with regard to their health infrastructure. The next hearing as been scheduled for Friday.