Supreme Court Pauses High Court Order Over Ayushman Bharat Scheme In Delhi
The Supreme Court has paused a Delhi High Court order asking the Delhi government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) scheme. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih also issued notices to the Centre, AIIMS, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi after hearing a petition by the Delhi government challenging the High Court order.
Last month, the High Court had asked the central and state governments to sign an MoU by January 5 to ensure that the central scheme was implemented in the national capital.
The AAP government has been opposing the central scheme in Delhi stating that the city enjoys "superior benefits" under the state government's schemes.
The matter threatens to add to the political attacks between the BJP and AAP as the city gears up for the crucial elections to choose its next government.
Appearing for the Delhi government, senior advocate AM Singhvi argued in the top court today that by forcing them to sign an MoU with the Centre, the High Court had redefined the powers of the central government regarding health.
The High Court had asked the Delhi government to implement the scheme in its entirety to ensure that the residents are not deprived of the funds and facilities. Not implementing the ABHIM Scheme in Delhi would not be justified since 33 States and UTs have already implemented it, the bench led by Justice Pratibha M Singh had said.
The court had given the go-ahead for the MoU to be signed despite the Model Code of Conduct being in place for the February 5 elections.
Comments
0 comment