Introduction:

In the writ petition (Civil) No. 1352 of 2023, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) moved the Supreme Court seeking urgent intervention to resolve the impasse surrounding the ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme. The scheme, aimed at providing cashless medical treatment to victims of road accidents, encountered a deadlock due to unpaid bills to private hospitals, resulting in immense repercussions for around 23,000 accident victims.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The GNCTD, represented by Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, highlighted the scheme’s suspension owing to pending payments totaling Rs. 7.17 Crores to 42 private hospitals. They emphasized the dire consequences on medical care for accident victims, attributing the delay to officials’ ‘illegal insubordination’, and sought disciplinary action against them.

On the other side, Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain, representing the Delhi LG, contested the portrayal of the issue as a clash between the lieutenant governor and the council of ministers. He argued that a society, led by the health minister, had decided to release the pending funds, disassociating the LG from the matter.

Court’s Judgment:

The bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta sought an affidavit from the Delhi LG confirming the release of funds, indicating a potential resolution to the impasse. Justice Gavai cautioned that if the health minister was found misleading the court, exemplary costs would be imposed.

The court, while acknowledging the gravity of the issue, adjourned the hearing, directing the filing of the affidavit within two weeks.