Following Karnataka High Court Order, Centre Increases Oxygen Allocation To State

The Karnataka Government informed the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday that the Central Government, as per its decision taken on May 8, has enhanced the daily quota of liquid medical oxygen for the state as 1015 MT with effect from May 11.

Taking note of this development, the Court has directed the Centre to place on record its plan to comply with the order passed last week to increase the supply as 1200 MT per day.

"Let the Central Government place on record how it is going to supply 1200 MT of Oxygen by tomorrow", a bench led by Chief Justice Abhay S Oka said.

The court observed "Ultimately, we want an adequate supply of Oxygen to the state and no one should die for non-supply of Oxygen."

In its order the bench said "State government must place on record its daily requirement for May 5 till May 11 and the quantum of oxygen procured. The State government will have to also place on record what is the projected requirement of the state for at least for 1 week from tomorrow."

As suggested by the Additional Solicitor General, the court directed the Advocate General to convene a meeting in presence of members of bar and officers of state and central government so that figures of supply of oxygen and procured can be reconciled.

Last week, the High Court had directed the Centre to increase the oxygen allocation as 1200 MT, taking note of the tragic incidents of COVID patients dying in hospitals due to oxygen shortage.

The Centre approached the Supreme Court against the High Court order. However, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court direction, observing that it was a "well-calibrated, careful and judicious order".