Delhi HC orders politicians to surrender their stock of COVID medicines

New Delhi: Expressing dissatisfaction on the police report regarding the hoarding of Covid-19 medicines, the Delhi High Court on Monday said politicians have no business in hoarding stocks of Covid-19 medicines and that they should surrender these drugs.

A bench comprising Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Sanghi was hearing a PILseeking registration of an FIR on allegations that politicians are procuring a large quantity of Covid-19 medicines in the capital even as patients were running around to get these medicines.

Examining the Delhi Police status report in connection with the allegations, the bench emphasized that political leaders have no business hoarding these medicines, especially at an hour when there is a shortage of supply and citizens are running around for these drugs.

"If their (politicians) intention is to do public good, then they should surrender the same to Director General of Health Services (DGHS) who will then distribute it to government hospitals", said the High Court.

The bench also observed that it is projected that these medicines were procured for public charity and not for political gains, political leaders are expected to surrender their stocks. The government can use these medicines for poor and needy persons at its hospitals, added the bench.

On the Delhi Police inquiry, the High Court said it expects the police to do a proper investigation and file a better status report in the court within a week. 

Nevertheless, the Delhi police counsel submitted before the court that it will seize the hoarded drugs.


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