PUNISHMENT ? - COVID-19 VIOLATORS

 

The Gauhati High Court ordered suitable punishment whoever violate safety norms of Covid-19 in Assam.  A petition sought strict implementation of Covid-19 guidelines and norms and hence the order from the Gauhati High Court.  

Since Assam is experiencing surge in covid-19 cases, the court ordered the state government to punish whoever violate the safety norms by coming out of the hosue without wearing masks.  A public interest litigation filed by one Tanmay Jyoti Mahanta stressed the use of masks, maintaining the social distance whereas people are flouting the rules and as a result one lakh positive cases registered in the state.

During first week of May, the Health Department has ordered a fine of Rs.500/- for first, second and third offences and Rs.1,000/- thereafter.  In spite of this caution, people can be seen moving around without masks in public places and not maintaining social distancing.  The court need to issue strict and proper directions to the authorities concerned in implementation of these rules against those found violating the norms.   The mask worn below the nose level or not wearing mask would spread the coronavirus.  Without bothering about their own health, people gather in cluster in market places and work environment.  An individual has no right in putting his own life in danger and putting others in a risky position.  The orders are flouted due to the reason that punitive action was not taken against the violators.  The hospitals experiencing difficult times in managing patients due to overcrowd and the supply of oxygen is not upto the expected level.

The police department was ordered to be proactive on the streets and check if health department's guidelines are being followed.  A fine need to be imposed against violation.  The deputy commissioners of all districts from various departments, through its officers, are ordered to check whether police officers are working in compliance to court order.  

Assam has recorded nearly 1.2 lakhs positive cases with 330 deaths and over 90,000 recoveries.