Penalty on petitioner for violation of COVID-19 measures by HC

Introduction

As we all are aware, the corona virus (COVID-19) is spreading all over the world rapidly and to break the chain of COVID-19, several precautionary measures suggested by Government like home quarantine, maintain social distancing, wear masks etc.

In a recent judgment, the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, has taken up the matter for hearing through video conferencing due to outbreak of COVID-19, in case of Renu Devi and another dated June 02, 2020, burdened the costs for Rs./- 10,000 on the petitioners on account of not complying with the COVID-19 precautionary measures while celebrating the marriage.

Brief Facts of Judgment

• It was contended by petitioners that marriage has solemnized in accordance with the law.
• The police officers are not accepting their marriage and are adamant to separate them from each other by resorting to illegal means.

High Court Order

• Without going into the validity of the marriage of the petitioners, the court disposed of the petition with a direction to Senior Superintendent of Police to take appropriate remedial measures and ensure that no harm is caused to the life and liberty of the petitioners at the hands of police.
• On perusal of photographs of the marriage ceremony, the petitioners and other attending persons were not wearing the masks, which is otherwise necessary in view of COVID-19.
• Thus, the court imposed the penalty for Rs. 10,000 and directed the petitioners to deposit the same within 15 days from today i.e. June 02, 2020, with the Deputy Commissioner.

Comments

The notable point is, the Court said, the amount so recovered from the petitioners shall be utilized for the purpose of arranging masks for the public at large within the District Hoshiarpur. As our government is continuously giving their inputs to break the chain of COVID-19 and to bring the situation under control, being a responsible citizen of India, it’s our duty to follow the prescribed restrictions or measures.