SC| Jahnavi Bhuptani | Social Thikana The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Kerala Government to file a response on a plea against the relaxation measures of the COVID- pandemic induced lockdown restrictions. The Government was planning to easing on the restrictions in light of the Bakri- Eid celebrations that shall happen from July 18 to July 20. The Bench headed by Justice RF Nariman has directed the registry to list the matter as first item tomorrow.
The appellant, in their plea, noted that it is shocking how the Government is disregarding a medical emergency and hence playing with the lives of thousands of people in the current situation. The application has been moved in the Supreme Court's suo moto case raising concerns over proposed Kanwar Yatra in the State of UP. The Kanwar Yatra which the Uttar Pradesh Government planned on greenlighting has also come into limelight as being a super- spreader event of coronavirus infection. Lastly, this also comes under the ambit of Article- 21 of the Indian Constitution, considering that a large number of people could possibly fall ill or even lose their lives because of avoidable events. The appellant also contends that the plea alleges that the impugned decision has been taken without any consultation from the medical department. Rather, the decision is taken in view of discussions between CM Pinarayi Vijayan and leaders of the traders’ body 'Kerala Vyapari Vyavasaay E-Kopana Samiti’. It also pointed out that the decision was taken mere days after the Prime Minister’s call to exercising caution, especially in light of rising cases in Maharashtra and Kerala.