"You're very consciously targeting Political Parties", Delhi High Court pulls Drug Controller for prosecuting AAP MLA Praveen Kumar in Oxygen Cylinder Hoarding Case
The Delhi High Court on Thursday slammed the Drug Controller for initiating prosecution against AAP MLA Praveen Kumar for allegedly hoarding medical oxygen.
The Division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh has sought response from the GNCTD on the aspect of initiating prosecution against persons who have provided free medical oxygen to Covid 19 patients in Delhi.
The observation was made after Advocate Nandita Rao appearing for Drug Controller informed the Court that prosecution had been initiated against Praveen Kumar and summons had also been issued for the same.
The Court however said that its earlier order had not indicated institution of prosecution against them.
Calling the action of the Drug Controller as a conscious case of targetting political parties, the Court said if the Drug Controller wanted to construe the order in that way then action should be initiated against all the Gurudwaras, Temples and Organisations who had stored oxygen.
The Court said "you first initiate action against all Gurudwara, Temples etc. You're very consciously targeting political parties. It's very unfortunate. We'll not permit this".
The Court further said that even the Centre and the state government had failed to provide medical oxygen to the people of Delhi but no action can be taken against them.
It was further pointed that the Court had picked up Gambhir because had collected the medicines irresponsibly and then distributed it amongst people though his intention was good.
Earlier the Drug Controller had informed the Delhi High Court that Gautam Gambhir Foundation was guilty of hoarding Fabiflu in contravention of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Supreme Court on July 26 refused to grant relief to Gautam Gambhir Foundation in terms of an ongoing enquiry by the Drugs Controller, for allegedly stocking and distribution of COVID 19 drugs during the Second wave. Court directed the petitioner to approach the High Court.
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