HC warns Centre of action if site’s not up and running

Representation pic

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it would take action for "wilful non-compliance" if the Centre failed to make operational a digital platform for crowdfunding of the expensive medicines and treatment for rare diseases. It said that despite specific directions on January 28 to make the digital platform operational by March 31, it has not been done yet.

Justice Rekha Palli was informed by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma that he was not aware if the platform was working or not. Directing that instructions be sought in this regard by the counsel for central government, she said, "This court would be constrained to take action for wilful non-compliance." I will have to say you are in contempt", the court orally cautioned.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions on behalf of children suffering from rare diseases, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Mucopolysaccharidosis II or MPS II (Hunter Syndrome), and seeking direction to the Centre to provide them uninterrupted and free of cost treatment as the therapy is very expensive. The matter would be heard next on August 4.

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