SC issues notice to Delhi L-G office on AAP govt’s plea on ‘Farishte Dilli Ke’ scheme

Hearing a petition by the Delhi government of Arvind Kejriwal seeking direction for release funds for its ‘Farishte Dilli Ke’ scheme, the Supreme Court of India on Friday (8 December 2023) issued a notice to Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s office. The notice was issued by the two-judge bench of Justice BR Gavai and Sudhanshu Dhulia which was hearing the plea.

The petition was filed seeking a direction from the apex court for responses from the office of Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Directorate General of Health Services, and others.

The Delhi government was represented in the court by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Arguing on behalf of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Singhvi stated that a large number of residents of the national capital had benefitted from the ‘Farishte Dilli Ke’ scheme. He added that the scheme was not about political messaging, but it related to the welfare of the people.

Accepting the plea, the bench stated that the matter will be taken up when the court reopen after winter vacations in January 2024.

The ‘Farishte Dilli Ke’ scheme ensures cashless treatment of victims at any registered public or private nursing home or hospital across Delhi. Those who bring in the victims also get an appreciation amount of Rs 2,000 from the Delhi government.

Earlier, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj in a letter to Delhi Chief Minister had alleged that two officers – Dr SB Deepak Kumar (Secretary of Health) and Dr Nutan Mundeja (Director General) – have conspired to delay or stop payments to private hospitals. As a result, the hospitals are not providing treatment to patients under the ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke scheme.