Teesha
The Delhi High Court on 31st May stated that COVID-19 vaccine production by two manufacturers in India is not enough and the Union should accelerate the process of clearing samples of Panacea Biotec in collaboration with the Russian Direct Investment Fund for manufacturing Sputnik V vaccine in India.
The order came in while listening to the plea by Panacea Biotec, in which it sought an arbitral award in its favour and against the centre.
While explaining that it requires the fund at the earliest in the larger interest of humanity, Panacea mentioned that it already manufactured trial batches for the Sputnik-V in collaboration with RDIF and the process to increase the production is in continuation.
The Bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Najmi Waziri directed the Centre to make sure amidst these unforeseen circumstances the opportunity is utilised to manufacture the vaccine before it’s taken away by foreigners.
The Bench also questioned the Centre’s arbitrary delay over Panacea’s case instead of hearing it on a priority basis as Panacea was producing the same product produced by a Russian company initially and was seeking what more is required to be done on their part.
Further, the Court apprised that it found Centre’s response “Disturbing” as the latter was even unaware of the working of the firm and its relation with Sputnik.
The bench further asked the centre officials to show some sensitivity and urgency in the matter.
The High Court will now hear the case on June 2.
