"Losing in battle of fastest finger:" Delhi High Court issues notice in PIL to ensure sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines to Delhi

The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought responses from the Central and Delhi governments on a plea to ensure sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the national capital for its residents (Vivek Gaur vs UOI). .Notice was issued to Central and Delhi governments by a Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh after the counsel for the petitioner said that for persons in the age group of 18-44 years, registering for the ongoing vaccination drive is like "losing in battle of fastest finger first". .The petitioner before Court, 43-year-old Vivek Gaur, claimed that in spite of his best efforts, he has not been able to book a slot to receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine due to non-availability of vaccines. .The Court was informed that each time the petitioner tried to book a slot, the same was booked by someone else..A grievance was also raised that the portal does not allow a person to book slots 3-4 days in advance and the same creates panic amongst Delhi residents. .He asserted that while the Central government and Delhi government have been making "contradictory statements" and "blaming each other", his concern is to protect his health and well-being during the pandemic. ."The Chief Minister of Delhi, the Health Minister of Delhi, MLA Ms. Atishi are claiming that they are not left with vaccination beyond 3-4 days. If it is so, then the lives of the residents of Delhi are in extreme danger. But on the other hand, the respondent no. 1 (Centre) is speaking otherwise. It is utmost important to fix the accountability for such contradictory statements.That the petitioner being resident of Delhi, is entitled to be vaccinated for Covid-19 and has no concern with disputes between respondent no.1 and 2 (Delhi government). Neither the petitioner nor any resident of Delhi should suffer in the blame game between the respondent no.1 and 2," the petition said. .The petitioner, therefore, also prayed for initiation of an inquiry by a committee headed by a retired judicial officer or senior advocate or any respectable member in order to know which of the two governments is making "false" statements to public. .Advocate Gaurav Gaur appeared for the petitioner. .The matter would be heard next on June 4.