Gujarat: Those Found Not Wearing Mask Will Have To Serve In Covid-19 Centres; HC Directs Govt To Issue Order

The Gujarat High Court has expressed "shock" over how BJP member Kanti Gamit allegedly violated all Covid-19 precautions at a family function. Taking cognisance of violations amid rapid spread, the HC wants the government to issue the new order.

(PTI Photo)

Gandhinagar: Gujarat High Court has taken cognisance of Covid-19 norms being violated in the state and expressing its concerns has directed the government to issue a notification that makes those found not wearing face masks - perform community services at Covid care centres for 5 to 15 days.  The High Court has expressed "shock" over how BJP member Kanti Gamit allegedly violated all Covid-19 precautions at a family function. The court questioned the state government as to what was it planning to do about the issue. As seen in a viral video clip, 6,000 people had gathered at his grandson's engagement ceremony and most were not wearing masks and flouting the Covid-19 norms. "This is shocking and unfortunate. What was the police doing when such a large gathering occurred? We are not at all satisfied with the way the government has handled the situation. Incidents like this make all your efforts till now meaningless." A bench headed by Chief Justice Vikramnath and Justice JB Pardiwala was hearing the matter of Coronavirus situation in the state, on which over 50 PILs have been filed. During the suo motu hearing, it ordered the Gujarat government to issue the notification making social service mandatory for violators at Covid care centres apart from a fine of Rs 1,000. The previous week also, HC had suggested that the government make people serve at Covid care centres for eight to 10 days in addition to fines so that they are able to understand the seriousness of the pandemic as several people despite a rapid spread were not taking the warning of fines seriously. Advocate General Kamal Trivedi who was representing the Gujarat government stated that the state was unable to act on the HC suggestion and asked for another week's time to reach a decision over the issue. But the HC has refused to give more time and finally issued the order to the state government on Wednesday. So as per the High Court's order, those not wearing a face mask in public will be asked to perform community services at Covid care centres in the state for 5 to 15 days, at least 4 to 6 hours daily. The community service suggested is of non-medical nature like cleaning, housekeeping, help in cooking and serving food, data preparation etc. WATCH | Will Corona vaccine be available for few Indians in 2021?