Oxygen crisis in Delhi: India’s top court stays contempt proceeding against Centre, but asks for solutions

• India’s Supreme Court stayed the contempt proceedings initiated by Delhi High Court against the central government over the oxygen crisis in the national capital.
• The Supreme Court bench led by Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah, however, asked the Centre for a plan on smooth supply of oxygen in Delhi.
• Delhi had complained that it wasn’t getting the promised 700 MT of oxygen.

On Wednesday, India’s Supreme Court stayed the contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against the central government over the oxygen crisis in the national capital.

"We stay the operation of the contempt notice issued by Delhi HC. This stay will not be a restraint on Delhi HC to monitor the on ground situation on other heads," the Court ordered as reported by legal news platform Bar & Bench.

The Supreme Court bench led by Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah, however, asked the Centre for a plan on smooth supply of oxygen in Delhi.

“We direct pending the submission by 10.30 am tomorrow [May 6], the centre shall place a comprehensive plan in form of tabulated chart to show how direction of 700 MT [metric tonnes] supply to Delhi be complied with. Plan to indicate source of supply, provisions of transportation and other logistical needs. The plan will continue to be in force till it's heard next on May 10 and a pan India solution is reached at,” said the judges.

While hospitals and doctors are crumbling under pressure, there has been a severe oxygen crisis, which is now being brought in from different states. However, Delhi had complained that it wasn’t getting the promised 700 MT of oxygen.

As per the official records presented during the Supreme Court hearing, here’s how Delhi has received oxygen supply, which falls far behind the expected demand.


“We are of the view that there is no requirement to use the coercive arm of law and contempt should not be taken. We would want the Centre to file a reply,” said Justice Chandrachud during the hearing.

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