SC stays Delhi High Court order on contempt against Centre

Hearing the matter, the apex court said that there is no reason for the time being to exercise contempt of court jurisdiction against government officers but asked the Central government to submit a tabulated plan to meet the 700 MT Oxygen target by 10.30 am on Thursday.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings started by the Delhi High Court against the Centre for violation of court orders on oxygen supply to Delhi amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

The bench comprising of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice MR Shah was hearing a plea by the central government against the Delhi High Court order which had issued a show-cause notice to officials on why there should be no contempt charge on them for not supplying oxygen to Delhi despite the orders.

The top court said that there is no reason for the time being to exercise contempt of court jurisdiction against government officers but asked the central government to submit a tabulated plan to meet the 700 MT Oxygen target by 10.30 am on Thursday.

Citing the success of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in handling the pandemic situation in Mumbai, the Court asked the Centre to hold a meeting with municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to adopt measures in Delhi.

The Delhi High Court had issued a show-cause notice to the Centre for not supplying 490 MT oxygen to Delhi as per its order or 700 MT as per the Supreme Court's order. It had also sought the personal appearance of the Centre's officials.