‘Are Protesting Farmers Following Covid-19 Precautions?’ SC Asks Centre Reminding Tablighi Jamat Episode

The Supreme Court asked whether farmers protesting at Delhi borders were taking precautions to contain the spread of Covid-19. It also reminded of the Tablighi Jamat congregation which had turned out to be a serious cluster.

Supreme Court Of India (Getty Images)

New Delhi: Questioning what the centre has learnt from Tablighi Jamat congregation, the Supreme Court on Thursday stated that the same situation with respect to Coronavirus cases may arise if precautionary measures are not taken to contain the spread amid farmers' protest.  A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta "You must tell us what is happening?" in reference to the ongoing farmers' protest in Delhi. It also wished to know whether farmers protesting at various borders of the national capital were taking precautions to contain the spread of Covid-19. When the Solicitor General replied in negative, the top court emphasised that it could potentially lead to a situation like the Nizamuddin Markaz congregation, which happened in March last year. The bench also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian asked the Centre to file a report about the steps taken so far to contain Covid and issued a notice on a plea filed by Supriya Pandita through advocate Omprakash Parihar. The top court stated its concern in a situation of precautions not being followed against the Covid spread in large gatherings. It further expressed that the aim is to ensure that there is no rapid Covid spread and directed the Centre to ensure adherence of guidelines. Supriya Pandita had moved to Supreme Court questioning the role of Centre, Delhi government and Delhi police for allowing the huge congregation, including foreign delegates at Nizamuddin Markaz which turned to out become a serious Covid-19 cluster. The top court has asked the union government to issue guidelines for the prevention of large gatherings, and the Solicitor General agreed to comply with the direction. (With Agency Inputs) WATCH | Farmers take out tractor rally, call it 'R-day rehearsal'