The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Delhi Government to reveal the names of officers who are refusing to obey orders issued by the AAP Government in rolling out measures to control the spread of dengue and chikungunya in the Capital.
Dealing with a petition of last year, where the Court took suo moto cognisance of a suicide by a Delhi couple whose only child died of dengue after being denied treatment by five hospitals, the apex Bench had last week sought a response from the Delhi Government on steps taken to contain the disease, which reportedly claimed many lives even this year.
Subsequently, the Delhi Government squarely blamed lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung.
An affidavit filed by Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain alleged that due to constant interference by the l-G, who was seeking all files relating to decisions taken by Delhi Government, no officer was willing to take any decision or obey instructions issued by the State Health Ministry.
Finding the charge too serious to be ignored, the Bench of Justices Madan B lokur and UU lalit said, “You have made a serious allegation in your affidavit. Give the names and evidences of the officials who have been disobeying you. It is a serious matter.”
The Bench decided to probe deeper as the issue concerned the health and safety of people in Delhi who were falling victims to dengue and chikungunya.
According to reports, over 2,600 chikungunya cases have been reported in Delhi till mid September and the disease has claimed over 15 lives.
The Delhi Government told the Court that it was willing to disclose the names of the officers but chose to do so in a sealed cover.
Giving the deadline of Monday, the Bench said, “Since the allegation has been made on affidavit, the names and evidences of officials should not be filed in sealed cover.”
The court directed the names to be disclosed on affidavit by Monday.
Senior advocate Ajit Prasad Sinha, who appeared for the l-G, refuted the charge of the Delhi Government. For his part, the counsel for Delhi Government charged that all files relating to control of diseases like dengue and chikungunya were pending with the l-G office for clearance.