In Brief
During India's second COVID-19 wave in May 2021, Delhi faced an acute oxygen shortage. The Union of India appealed against a Delhi High Court's contempt notice for allegedly violating the Supreme Court's earlier order to supply 700 MT of liquid medical oxygen daily to the National Capital Territory. While affirming its 700 MT directive, the Supreme Court stayed contempt proceedings, holding that in pandemic crises, cooperation and problem-solving are preferable to coercive measures. The Court ordered the Union to submit a comprehensive plan for ensuring the required oxygen supply and directed a scientific audit to assess actual oxygen needs, requiring all government bodies and hospitals to cooperate in implementing an efficient supply chain and maintaining buffer stocks.
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