Supreme Court denies interference in High Court matters
New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Tuesday reaffirmed that while hearing pleas on shortage of oxygen, beds and other medical facilities, it does not intend to interfere in the matters of High Court on the same topic. The apex court mentioned that it wanted to play a complimentary role and could not be a silent spectator during what it called a "national calamity" for the country.
"There are certain national issues to be dealt by the Supreme Court. At a time of national crisis the Supreme Court cannot be a silent spectator. We are not preventing the High Courts from hearing. The Supreme Court intends to play a complimentary role," said the three-judge bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, LN Rao and Ravindra S Bhat.
The current COVID-19 situation is a national calamity and it is the responsibility of Supreme Court to save the lives of citizens, said the judges.
Last week, Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre asking them for a solution on oxygen shortage and lack of medical facilities.
Since then, the Supreme Court has repeatedly clarified that its intention was not to hijack the High Court cases. On Friday, a bench led by outgoing Chief Justice SA Bobde was upset about criticism "by senior lawyers".
Today, the Supreme Court said: "It is necessary for us to clarify what is the purpose of issuing notice? The object of these proceedings is not to take over what the High Court is monitoring. High Courts have a valuable role. They are in a better position to monitor."
