Delhi High Court seeks report from Delhi Police in plea alleging hoarding of COVID-19 medicines by political leaders

The Delhi High Court today sought a report from the Delhi Police in a plea alleging that political leaders were hoarding, transferring and distributing crucial COVID-19 medicines at a time when the public at large was running helter-skelter for them (Dr Deepak Singh v. UOI)..Clarifying that it was not inclined to direct any preliminary enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the allegations at this stage, the Division Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli directed the Commissioner of Delhi Police to examine the instances of hoarding falling within his jurisdiction. .The petitioner filed by Dr Deepak Singh alleges that when the entire public is suffering from lack of oxygen and crucial medicines, a "medical mafia" having a "political nexus" was exploiting the situation.."In Delhi, Member of Parliament Gautam Gambhir, who belongs to Bhartiya Janata Party, on 21.04.2021 announced free of cost distribution of Fabiflu from his office. This is despite the fact that by that time, this medicine was scarcely available with pharmacies in Delhi..In addition, it has also been reported that former BJP MLA from north Maharashtra Shirish Chaudhari, illegally distributed Remdesivir vials, without having any requisite licence......it has also emerged that Chief Editor of newspaper Nai Duniya, thanked senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi for arranging Remdesivir for him, which in fact was purchased for Rahul Gandhi, even as he did not require the same.".The other instances pointed out by the petitioner include:- 10,000 vials of Remdesivir said to be distributed by BJP MP Sujay Vikhe Patil in Maharashtra after buying it from Delhi.- NCP leader Sharad Pawar reportedly transported 75 vials of Remdesivir to MLA Rohit Pawar in Maharashtra.- BJP president CR Patil announced distribution of 5,000 doses of Remdesivir in Surat, Gujarat. .Stating that such medicines could be procured in large quantities without requisite licenses, the petitioner has claimed, "...it is only the political parties who are trying to reap benefits from this human tragedy. Leaders of all political parties through their official positions, money power and government contacts are able to hoard the lifesaving drugs, which is causing national suffering and loss of thousands of innocent lives.".The petitioner has highlighted that the Central government has directed all states and union territories to follow a “zero tolerance” approach against hoarders, and that even the High Courts have taken cognizance of the issue. .It has thus been prayed that FIRs be registered after a CBI investigation into the "medical mafia-politicians nexus", and that the MPs and MLAs be also disqualified for hoarding and illegally distributing COVID-19 medicines..The petition is filed through Advocate Gaurav Pathak. Advocate Virag Gupta appeared for the petitioner. .The matter will be heard next on May 17.