Anadi Tewari
The Supreme Court on Friday (April 30) taking note of the continuing surge of infections in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, has urged both the Central Government and State Governments to consider imposing a ban on mass gatherings and super spreader events.
The bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, L. Nageswara Rao and S. Ravindra Bhat was hearing a suo-moto case wherein it directed the Central Government and State Governments to put the efforts taken to curb the spread of the virus and the measures that they plan on taking in the near futureon record.
Apart from urging the Centre and State to consider imposing a ban on mass gatherings, the top court has also asked them to consider imposing a lockdown.
“We would seriously urge the Central and State Governments to consider imposing a ban on mass gatherings and super spreader events. They may also consider imposing a lockdown to curb the virus in the second wave in the interest of public welfare,” the bench remarked.
“We are cognizant of the socio-economic impact of a lockdown, specifically, on the marginalized communities. Thus, in case the measure of a lockdown is imposed, arrangements must be made beforehand to cater to the needs of these communities,” the bench told the authorities considering if the lockdown is imposed.
Case: In Re: Distribution of Essential Supplies and Services During Pandemic [Suo Moto Writ Petition(Civil) No. 3/2021]
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