NewDelhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday used the strong word “wholly uncalled for” pointing to the Kerala government’s relaxations for Bakrid especially in the areas with high Covid positivity rate and elaborated that Govt succumbed to the pressure of state traders illustrate a “sorry state of affairs”.
Directing the Vijayan government to “heed to the Right to Life” listed under Article 21 of the Constitution, the top court also strongly warned the Kerala govt that it will take stern action if the easing of curbs further spread the pandemic and it will be brought to us by any person.
Apex Court bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai said that giving in to pressure groups (of traders) ignoring the ‘Right to life’ illustrates a state of affairs of Kerala after hearing the petition on the Bakrid relaxations in Kerala.
Recently, the top court had taken suo moto cognizance on UP govt’s decision to allow Kanwar Yatra amid the Covid pandemic.
Yogi Govt cancelled Kanwar Yatra in the wake of covid surge
SC observed that “What is extremely alarming is the fact even in Category D as per Cocid pandemic where infection rates are the highest too were allowed a full day of relaxation,” it said.
The court said “If the court came across any news of untoward result due to relaxations, and an increase in the spread of COVID-19 cases; then if anyone from the general public approaches us then we will take stern action.
Earlier on Monday in its affidavit the state govt has said that relation is needed to facilitate trade since then has put the state in an economic slowdown and the population in a lot of misery and the traders were expecting good sales in Bakrid.
Meanwhile, the “The Kerala CM held discussion with various trade organizations and on July 16, 2021, and the traders have assured him of following COVID norms. After that CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced the said relaxations on July 17.
In India Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha) was scheduled to celebrate on July 21, and the Kerala govt had jewelry, fancy stores, allowed textiles, footwear shops, shops selling home appliances, electronics, and all shops selling essential to remain open between July 18-20 from morning 7 am to 8 pm in all the category of areas.
People frustrated, traders agitated with Covid curbs: Kerala govt in SC
