The Supreme Court on Friday stayed an order by the Delhi High Court directing the Delhi government to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Health Ministry by January 5, to implement the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih issued notices to the Centre and other concerned parties, seeking their responses to a plea filed by the Delhi government challenging the High Court’s December 24, 2024 directive.
Representing the Delhi government, Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued before the bench that the High Court’s directive effectively compelled the AAP-led government to sign the MoU, raising concerns about judicial interference in policy decisions.
“How can the High Court force me (Delhi government) on a policy matter to sign an MoU with the Central government?” Singhvi questioned during the proceedings.
The Delhi government’s petition was filed through advocate Talha Abdul Rahman. The High Court, in its December 24 order, had cited the minutes of a meeting held earlier that month, emphasising the necessity of fully implementing PM-ABHIM to ensure that Delhi residents are not deprived of the financial and infrastructural benefits associated with the programme.
Further responses from the Centre and other stakeholders are awaited as the matter progresses in the Supreme Court.
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