SC asks states to ensure supply of key items to Delhi

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked Delhi's three neighbouring states to ensure that supply of essential commodities including water to the national capital is not disrupted in wake of threats by Jats agitating for quota in central jobs.
A bench of justices Altamas Kabir and Dalveer Bhandari specifically asked Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments to also ensure that transportation of petroleum products from Mathura and Panipat oil refineries to Delhi should not be affected in any manner.
The bench issued these directions on two petitions filed by the Delhi Jal Board and the Indian Oil Corporation during a special sitting held at the SC, which is currently closed due to Holi holidays. The bench asked states to see to it that public transport facilities are not disrupted. Appearing for both DJB and IOC, Delhi government's standing counsel Najmi Wajiri apprised the bench of threats by agitating Jat communities and difficulties arising out of it.
The bench, in its order, said, “The agitation should not interrupt the supply of water and essential commodities including milk and milk products. Essential commodities reaching Delhi either by road or railways should not be stopped. It is needless to say that the state governments shall take every necessary step in this regard.” It said these directions to the states concerned will not prevent them from asking help from Central authorities to implement the order. PTI