Enforce social distancing norm across Uttar Pradesh: HC

PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad high court has directed the district administration of all the districts of Uttar Pradesh to vigorously enforce social distancing and wearing of masks as per the state government circulars dated August 6 and August 17.
Besides, the court also appointed two advocate commissioners and directed them to submit their joint report regarding the measures taken by the state authorities to check the spread of novel coronavirus.
Hearing a PIL seeking better facilities at the quarantine centres, a division bench comprising Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Ajit Kumar fixed August 25 as the next date of hearing in the matter.
Earlier, as per direction of the court, Prayagraj district magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami and senior superintendent of police Abhishek Dixit were present through video conferencing.
Both the officials submitted before the court that Prayagraj being one of the seven districts where the state government was intensively keeping a watch, and because of which various steps were being taken, it would be possible to curb the Covid-19 infection to a great extent by the next date fixed.
They further submitted that as per the government circulars dated August 6 and 17, they would definitely see that social distancing is maintained and that people in the city wear masks.
In addition to it, the SSP assured that police pickets would be set up at various vantage points. He assured that the vigil in and around commercial complexes would be raised so that people do wear masks while coming to these places and also maintain social/physical distancing.
Taking their submissions on record, the court observed, “We do hope and trust that their efforts to control the Covid-19 infection by the next date fixed, would bear results. When the officers, who were present, informed us of the efforts they were making, we did feel that we are today living because of their efforts. However, this much is certain that any lapse on their parts at this juncture might result in the greatest of catastrophes. They have to, in the present times, see that social distancing is maintained and that people compulsorily wear masks.”
In view of the explanation given by the DM and SSP, the court said as of now, it is not initiating contempt proceedings against them. “However, it will remain pending,” the court added. The order was passed on August 18.