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The Delhi High Court today directed the Central Government to consider waiver of import duty on Amphotericin B, drug used for treatment of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus).

The High Court said, “Considering the fact that the disease is inflicting lives throughout the country, we're of the view that the Central Government should consider waiver of import duty of the said drug”

The Bench comprising Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh passed the above order on a plea filed by Advocate Iqra Khalid whose grandfather required the drug for treatment of Black Fungus.

The Court further directed that if any import is made by any person, the same may be cleared by accepting the bond from the importer without actual payment of duty till a final decision on the said aspect is taken.

Advocate Kiritiman Singh appearing for the central Government assured the bench that the order will be communicated to CBDT & Secretary of Finance during the course of the day & decision would be taken within a couple of days. He further assured that the custom shall be cleared on the medicines for black fungus without any delay. 

Senior Advocate Krishnan Venugopal suggested that the Delhi Development Authority or the National Authorities should not make enquiry from the manufacturers but from the distribution channels. “Life has to be faced & what life would be if there is no eye or mouth,” remarked Venugopal.

He further suggested that the Delhi Government and the DDMA should look into the aspect of utilizing the stock which is already available in various countries.

In this regard Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra appearing for Delhi Government submitted that he had instructions that presently the drug can only be procured by the Central Govt & not the state. Moreover if the Central Government allowed the Delhi Government to procure, they would procure it right away.