New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed Kerala government for allowing three days of lockdown relaxation for Bakrid celebrations and said that in case it leads to Covid-19 spread it can be pointed out to the court and court will take appropriate action against the state.
The bench comprising of Justice RF Nariman and Justice BR Gavai was hearing an application against the Kerala government's decision to allow three days of relaxation in view of Bakrid. The application was filed yesterday in a suo moto case against the Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh. The court had asked the state's response on relaxation on the same day itself and heard the matter as the first case today.
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The court observed that the lifting of restrictions was alarming and a very sorry state of affairs. It said that the pressure groups, religious or otherwise cannot interfere in the fundamental right to life of citizens under Article 21.
Kerala had told the court that all guidelines will be followed and people who received at least one dose of Covid vaccine will only go to shops as far as possible. However, the court observed that it doesn't instill confidence in the public or court. "It presents a sorry state of affairs and does not in any real manner protects the right to life," observed the court.
On July 17, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had announced the concessions at a press conference and said that in view of Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha) being celebrated on July 21, textiles, footwear shops, jewellery, fancy stores, shops selling home appliances and electronic items, all types of repairing shops and shops selling essential items shall be allowed to open on July 18, 19 and 20 from 7 AM to 8 PM in category A, B and C areas.
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