'Make Realistic Estimates Of Oxygen Requirement For A Possible Third Wave Of Covid': Karnataka High Court Directs State

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar said,

"We are of the view that state will have to, in the eventuality of third wave of covid-19, take into consideration the figures of requirement of oxygen during the second wave of covid-19, it will be a guiding factor in the possible requirement of oxygen in third wave."

The court also directed the state government to place on record if the buffer stock of oxygen as directed by the Supreme Court has been maintained.

Additional Solicitor General M B Nargund was further directed to place on record the decision of the Government of India on the request made by the State to provide 35 lakh vaccine doses per week to fully vaccinate the entire population of the state.

The court said "ASG states that so far a decision has not been taken in terms of previous order, by GoI in supplying additional doses of vaccine to the state. He states that he will place on record an affidavit on this behalf."

It added "GoI shall place on record its decision in regards to the previous order. Latest report in terms of vaccination shall also be placed on record along with details of oxygen plants commissioned in the state."

Amicus Curiae Vikram Huilgol informed the court that in the action plan submitted by the state government, the peak requirement of oxygen in Karnataka of 1200 MT has been taken into consideration.

To this the court said "In this context, the state government will state before the court on the next date whether the proposal to establish 245 oxygen plants is sufficient to cater the needs in the event the requirement of oxygen reaches 1200 MT per day."

The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 8.

Advocate General Expresses Gratitude To Chief Justice On Behalf Of the Bar

As the hearing ended Advocate General Navadgi submitted that "On behalf of the entire Bar, I want to make this submission. Singularly it has been a privilege for me and all of us to assist your Lordships court. I must state that there has been immense satisfaction to appear and assist before Lordships. We hope that the tenure of your Lordship in the Supreme Court may be as fruitful as it has been here. We are very blessed by the fact that your Lordship presided over the court as Chief Justice."

Justice Oka responded by saying "Even after working for 15 and half years in Mumbai, I can say that this was the most memorable period during my tenure as a judge from May 2019 to August 2021, it was most memorable. Thank you."

Justice Oka is among the nine names approved the Centre for appointment to the Supreme Court.

Case Title: Mohammed Arif Jameel And State of Karnataka

Case No: 6435/2020