Delhi HC declines to entertain PIL seeking action against manufacture of sub-standard PPE kits

Delhi HC has rejected to hear a plea alleging the manufacturing of sub-standard PPE kits and seeking action against it, by saying that the petitioner has not mentioned one example of such activity which can support the latter's statement. Besides, the court also pointed out that several labs have been set up by the Centre for testing the PPE kits, therefore, there is no requirement to take up the call.

New Delhi:The Delhi High Court Monday declined to entertain a plea alleging that there was rampant manufacture of sub-standard PPE kits and seeking action against the entities involved.

A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan said that the petitioner has not indicated one example of such activity and directions cannot be issued on his word that there is "rampant manufacture" of sub-standard personal protective equipment (PPE) kits.

The court further said that there were already several guidelines issued by the Centre for regulating manufacture, sale and import of PPE kits and therefore, "we are not inclined to entertain the petition".

The court also noted that several labs have been set up by the Centre for testing the PPE kits.

The bench also asked that had there been a respondent entity/company which has violated the guidelines, then notice could have been issued and samples of kits manufactured by it could have been sent for testing.

As and when such litigation is initiated before an appropriate forum, it will be dealt with following law, rules, regulations and government policy on such matters.

The court granted the petitioner, advocate Amit Jain, the liberty to move a representation before the appropriate authority highlighting his grievances.

Jain had sought regulation of the import, manufacture and sale of PPE kits under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.

He had contended that due to increase in COVID-19 cases there was a greater demand for such kits, leading to manufacturing and sale of sub-standard protective equipment which is a threat to healthcare workers and others on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.

He claimed during the hearing that there were several news reports of manufacture in of sub-standard kits, but the Centre was not taking any action.

(PTI report)