‘Shocking’, says SC on Kerala government easing COVID norms for Bakrid

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rapped the Kerala government for relaxing COVID-19 protocols in the state ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) festival, saying “it is a shocking state of affairs” that authorities gave in to the “demand of traders”.

The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government on Saturday announced that the ongoing lockdown in the state will be relaxed for three days, drawing criticism from experts and opposition parties with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) warning of dire consequences. 

As part of the easing of protocols, all textile, footwear, jewellery, home appliances and essential stores were allowed to remain open on July 18, 19 and 20 from 7 AM to 8 PM in category A, B and C areas. 

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“If there is any spread of the COVID-19 infection due to the lockdown relaxations by the Kerala government owing to Bakrid, any person can bring it to the notice of the court which will then take appropriate action,” a bench of justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai said. 

“Pressurehood of any manner cannot infringe upon the most precious right of Right to Life for citizens of India,” it added.

The bench was hearing a petition against the relaxing of norms. 

The Kerala government’s decision came under extra scrutiny after the Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi government cancelled the Kanwar Yatra for a second year in a row, in light of predictions of a third COVID wave with the emergence of the Delta Plus variant. 

“We direct Kerala to give heed to Article 21 read with Article 144 of the constitution of India and follow our orders given in the Kanwar yatra case,” the bench said. 

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On Sunday, the IMA opposed the decision, saying it was “unwarranted and inappropriate at this time of medical emergency” and said it was “unfortunate” that the state was allowing unchecked mass gatherings. 

A number of opposition parties have also come down hard on the relaxations, with Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi calling it a “deplorable act” by a state which is “one of the hotbeds for COVID-19”. 

Kerala continues to report the highest daily infections, despite cases declining in other parts of the country. On Monday, the state logged 9,931 fresh cases and 58 deaths, with the positivity rate climbing to 11.08%.