Delhi HC issues contempt notice, directs action against erring cylinder dealers

The Delhi High Court has issued a contempt notice to oxygen cylinder refiller companies who were not present during a hearing related to the shortage of medical oxygen in the national capital.

New Delhi:The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government's entire system has failed as black marketing of oxygen cylinders and crucial medicines for treating COVID-19 patients is going on.

The court order came when it was informed by Delhi Heart and Lung Institute that they are facing oxygen shortage and the concerned nodal officer is helpless.

Read:|Centre raps Kejriwal govt for failure to resolve logistical issues to procure oxygen

Showing displeasure, the court said that that the oxygen cylinder business is a complete mess.

Court asked the Delhi government to put the house in order by saying that people have to buy it in black for lakhs but it costs merely a few hundred rupees only.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli observed it was not the time to become vultures.

Read:|44 oxygen plants to be set up in Delhi within a month: CM Kejriwal

“Are you aware of black marketing? Is it a good human gesture?" the bench asked oxygen refillers.

The bench further said this is a mess that the state government has been unable to resolve.

“You have the power, take action against those engaging in black marketing of oxygen cylinders and medicines," it said.

(with agency inputs)

Read:|HC asks Centre, AAP govt about scarcity of Remdesivir in Delhi