The Orissa High Court on Friday clarified on its earlier order on Thursday regarding the use of private vehicles and said it should not be interpreted as lifting of the restrictions on use of vehicles during the lockdown period.
The court said that the order is applicable only to senior citizens and handicapped persons.
The court clarifying on its directions to release the vehicles seized by police during enforcement of the lockdown, said, “It is made clear that the order dated 9. 04. 2020 regarding obtaining undertaking from motorcycle user thrice is applicable only to the senior citizens and handicapped persons so as to enable them to purchase essential items,” the HC’s clarification read.
“The police authorities should also give relaxation in mobility of doctors and health workers on production of their identification and certificates,” the court further said.
The clarification came when the State Advocate General and the Additional Advocate General moved the HC seeking clarification on the earlier order.
They also appraised the court that adequate numbers of vending zones have been made available for the people within walking distance in the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) areas so that, they can get essential commodities near their homes.
However, following the development, Commissioner of Police Sudhanshu Sarangi said, “As per modified order of the HC, the exemption on use of motorcycles, vehicles is only applicable to senior citizens and physically handicapped persons. However, we would still like to inform that senior citizens are most vulnerable and should not venture out of home.”