Amid accusations of exploiting a desperate health crisis, the Delhi High Court has declined to halt criminal proceedings against Matrix Cellular, a company accused of hoarding and selling defective oxygen concentrators at exorbitant prices during the COVID-19 second wave. The court highlighted the severity of the allegations and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
Unchecked Exploitation in Crisis
The Court, led by Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, underscored the troubling nature of the accusations. Matrix Cellular allegedly sold oxygen concentrators that failed to meet World Health Organization-recommended parameters, potentially endangering lives. The devices were reportedly sold at inflated prices, preying on the desperation of those battling acute oxygen shortages.
Justice Sharma stated, “The allegations of selling untested equipment for profit during a life-threatening crisis cannot be ignored. The substantial profit margins, especially during the pandemic, further exacerbate the gravity of the offense.”
Origins of the Case
The case originated during the chaotic second wave of COVID-19, as police raids uncovered stockpiles of oxygen cylinders, concentrators, masks, and other critical supplies across Delhi. These hoarded items were being sold at marked-up prices, triggering an FIR against alleged black-market operators for cheating and negligent actions that endangered public health.
Arguments and Observations
Matrix Cellular’s legal team argued that their operations were legitimate, pointing to their role as a designated collection center to streamline resource management. However, the Court maintained that quashing the FIR at this stage would be premature, allowing the investigation to proceed.
“Only in exceptional cases can an FIR be quashed,” the Court noted, clarifying that the petitioners could raise their defenses after the investigation’s conclusion.
The ruling leaves the door open for further legal challenges, but for now, the spotlight remains on ensuring accountability in a case that echoes the ethical dilemmas faced during a global crisis.
