"We Have To Shun Selfishness": Delhi High Court Appeals To Sellers Not To Resort To Hoarding, Black Marketing Of Oxygen Cylinders, Medicines

"We, therefore, appeal to the good sense of the people, including the sellers of necessary medicines and Oxygen, to not to resort to hoarding of, and black marketing of Oxygen cylinders, Oxygen flow metres or medicines, and to make them available to the needy people." Observed a division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli while hearing bunch of petitions concerning oxygen shortage and covid 19 crisis in the national capital.

The said remark came after the bench took note of the issue of black marketing and hoarding of essential covid 19 medicines and oxygen cylinders.

"Hoarding of medicines or Oxygen cylinders/ flow metresleads to artificial scarcity, to an extent which may not be there." The Bench observed at the outset.

While observing so, the Court also took note of news reports regarding an incident which took place at Apollo Hospital, wherein the hospital staff and doctors were assaulted by the relatives of one of the patients. 

"Such like incidents are bound to de-moralise the medical community, which is serving tirelessly to save the lives of the people without any rest or break whatsoever, at personal risk. We hope and expect that such like incidents would not be repeated. The authorities, including the Police should also be mindful of such like situation, and be vigilant to prevent any such untoward incidents." the Court observed at the outset.

Hinting towards a collective sense of responsibility at such unprecedented times, the Court also observed that:

"The nation is facing an unprecedented crisis. It is at times like this, that we – the people, need to stand up to showcase our best qualities and virtues, which all of us have. To fight this scourge, we need to collectively conduct ourselves with sensitivity and empathy towards one and all –irrespective of whether the infected persons are our friends or relatives, or strangers."

During the course of hearing, the Court had appointed Sr. Adv. Rajshekhar Rao as the amicus curiae to assist the Court considering the complexities of the issues involved.

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