Bombay HC warns individuals, private companies against selling remdesivir to citizens directly

By LE Desk

Mumbai, April 28: The Bombay High Court has said that if any private company is found procuring Covid drugs and distributing them to the individuals directly, an injunction or restraining orders will be issued against them. The court was hearing a plea alleging mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic in Maharashtra.

The High court bench led by Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni inquired with the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh on the status of allocation of antiviral drug remdesivir to different states, and more specifically to Maharashtra, India Today reported.

Justice Kulkarni then questioned the ASG on the incident in Maharashtra where a BJP leader was found distributing 10,000 vials of remdesivir to people.”There was a news report that a political personality distributed 10,000 vials. How was that possible? When people are running from pillar to post when Delhi is itself in need. How could he airlift?” Justice Kulkarni asked.

A petition had been filed in the High Court by residents of Ahmednagar, alleging that Ahmednagar BJP MP Sujay Vikhe Patil allegedly indulged in unauthorized procurement and distribution of 10,000 Remdesivir injections. The petition sought the registration of an FIR against the BJP MP.

ASG Anil Singh informed the Court that he will seek information on this but requested the bench to not believe in media reports entirely.

Advocate Simil Purohit, appearing for the petitioners, pointed out that this was not just a singular incident, and there were more instances like this. He further clarified that they were not merely relying on media reports, but also on the interview of Patil which was available in the media.

The Chief Justice acknowledged that the Aurangabad Bench of the High Court had taken cognizance of the incident.

The Aurangabad Bench had stated on April 26 that police authorities were at liberty to take steps in a similar situation when it was mentioned to them that there is a plea filed against the political individual who was found distributing vials.

The Bombay High Court has been hearing pleas related to Covid management in Maharashtra. The court was informed that there was an adequate supply of oxygen and beds within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and there was a functional helpline number as well. The Bench asked the lawyers to check the numbers, and after a satisfactory response, the court proceeded to address other issues, including cremation.

The High Court has asked the state government to order all district collectors to ensure immediate effective dead body management and a synchronized crematorium system, the India Today reported.

After the lawyers pointed out that bodies were stacking up outside crematoriums, the HC said “Crematorium system needs to be improved. We cannot have bodies lying at crematoriums for hours. If there is no place in crematoriums, you should not be releasing bodies.”

https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/bombay-hc-warns-individuals-companies-selling-remdesivir-citizens-directly-1795870-2021-04-28