Alarmed by the violation of Covid-19 protocols in various markets in the national Capital, the Delhi High Court on Friday observed that such breaches will only hasten the third wave and asked the Centre and the Delhi Government to take strict measures, sensitise shopkeepers, and hold meetings with markets and vendors associations in this regard.
A vacation bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Asha Menon took note of certain photographs sent to one of the judges of the high court by an AIIMS doctor showing scant regard for Covid-19 protocol by street vendors in markets. The images received via WhatsApp showed people without masks not following other Covid-19 safety protocol such as social distancing.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the photographs, the HC initiated a PIL, directing the Centre, the Delhi Government and the Delhi Police to file status reports.
“We have paid a huge price in the second wave. We don’t know if there is any household which has not suffered in the second wave, closely or remotely,” the bench observed.
The court observed that there is a need for stricter measures in the national Capital to prevent a further spread of Covid-19. “The memory of the second wave has not left us, yet people behave in this manner. This is very unfortunate,” the court remarked.
The court also directed the deployment of civil defence personnel and police personnel in markets to enforce social distancing. A status report was also been called for. The matter will be taken up for hearing on July 7.