The Supreme Court on Tuesday termed the recent surge of COVID-19 cases a “national crisis,” and said it cannot remain a mute spectator of the current crisis. The apex court asked the Centre to apprise it of modalities on the distribution of oxygen, vaccines to states and their monitoring mechanism, reports PTI.

The SC also directed states to file their replies on issues related to the availability of infrastructure for vaccinating all above 18 years of age by April 28.  

The court also clarified that its suo motu proceeding on devising national policy for COVID-19 management is not meant to supplant the ongoing cases in different high courts.

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High courts are in a better position to monitor the pandemic situation within their territorial boundaries, a three-judge SC bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said.

“We are playing complementary role, if High Courts have any difficulty in dealing with issues due to territorial limitations, we will help,” said the bench, also comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat.

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Last Thursday, the bench took note of the pandemic situation due to a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases and also mortality rates.

It said it expected the Centre to come out with a “national plan” to deal with distribution of essential services and supplies, including oxygen and drugs.