Delhi High Court Hears a Plea On Action Against Politicians For Not Following the Covid-19 Regulations DHC Seeks Centre & ECI Stand

(Judicial Quest News Network)

 The Delhi High Court sought response from Central government as well as Election Commission in a ple saying that electioncampaign was going on in full swing in the country, without any regard to COVID-19 regulation

The petitioner submitted that India is reeling through the COVID-19 Pandemic due to which 105 lakh people have lost their lives the economic impact of the pandemic has been tremendous, with the nation losing billions. The government of India has mandated every person in public place to wear a mask. This directive to wear masks is present in the Unlock Guidelines that are applicable as on date.

The Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are being held in various phases between March 27 and April 29.

Reportedly, before the end of first phase of campaigning in Assam and West Bengal, over 40 road shows and rallies had been organized by major political parties. At the same time, 59,117 fresh cases of Covid-19 were recorded in India on 25.03.2021, which is the highest in the last 159 days.

The plea said that the biggest causality during COVID-19 had been the rule of law itself, as strict action was being taken against commoners, but there was barely any action against politicians.

When all the authorities are unanimous on mandatory masking, it defies logic as to why should not be enforced in election campaigns, the plea said seeking a direction to poll panel to create a through digital print and electronic media for compulsory masking and social distancing during Assembly elections.

A division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh issued notice in the application and listed the matter for hearing along with main petition on April 30.

The Application is filed through Advocate Gaurav Pathak.  And Advocate Virag Gupta appeared for Singh