"Nation facing an unprecedented crisis," Delhi High Court asks people to not black market, hoard oxygen cylinders and COVID-19 medicines

The Delhi High Court today made an appeal to one and all to refrain from black marketing and hoarding oxygen cylinders or COVID-19 medicines (Rakesh Malhotra v. GNCTD)..A Division Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said that instead, medicines and oxygen cylinders should be made available to the needy. ."We appeal to the good sense of people to not resort to black marketing and hoarding of oxygen cylinders or medicines and to make them available to the needy," the Court stated..The Court opined that hoarding of medicines and oxygen cylinders leads to artificial scarcity to an extent which may not be there. "The nation is facing an unprecedented crisis. It is at times like these that we, the people, need to stand up and showcase our qualities and virtues," the Court stated. .The nation is facing an unprecedented crisis. It is at times like these that we, the people, need to stand up and showcase our qualities and virtues.Delhi High Court.Taking note of news reports on doctors and staff of Apollo Hospital being assaulted by family members of a COVID-19 patient, the Court "hoped and expected" that such incidents would not be repeated.."...such like incidents are bound to demoralise the medical community which is serving tirelessly to save the lives of people without any rest or break whatsoever," the Court observed..The Court also opined that the authorities and the police should be mindful and vigilant in order to prevent any untoward incident. .The order was passed by the Court after the hearing of a batch of petitions concerning the rising number of COVID-19 cases and consequent oxygen shortage in the national capital. .During the course of the proceedings, Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, who appears for Delhi government, told the Court that while a majority of hospitals were conforming to ethics and standards, some were crying wolf in relation to the oxygen shortage..He informed the Court that there have been instances wherein SOS calls were received from hospitals which were later found with existing stock of oxygen. .The Court thus recorded in its order that it hoped and expected hospitals to not raise such alarms as such conduct and behaviour would erode the faith of officers dealing with the situation..The matter will be heard next tomorrow. .Read a detailed account of the hearing here:.COVID-19: Delhi High Court directs insurance companies, TPAs to expedite NOCs to hospitalized patients at time of discharge [LIVE UPDATES]