The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of direction to supply 700 metric tonnes (MT) of oxygen for Covid-19 patients, saying “putting officers in jail” would not bring oxygen and efforts should be made to save lives.

The SC conducted urgent hearing on the Centre’s plea against the HC show-cause notice on contempt and an order seeking personal appearance of its two senior officials for failing to comply with the directions to ensure supply of 700 MT liquid medical oxygen (LMO) to Delhi.