On Monday, March 14, the Bombay High Court issued a notice to the state government in a PIL challenging the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) announced on March 1 by the Maharashtra government that continued the previous decisions allowing only those fully vaccinated to ply by local trains as well as visit malls and offices, stated reports.
Apart from this, the SOPs made the wearing of face masks compulsory. In the aftermath of the court disposing of two PILs that challenged the state government’s SOPs and circulars issued by Sitaram Kunte, former state chief secretary, a fresh PIL has been filed, cited accounts.
According to narratives, this fresh PIL has been filed by an activist who has challenged the new guidelines issued this year in January. Earlier on March 2, the Bombay HC had voiced their discontent over the Maharashtra government’s decision to continue the curbs on the utilization of public transport, against those fully inoculated.
In its earlier order, the judiciary had reportedly remarked that it anticipated the State Executive Committee (SEC) to take into consideration the fundamental right of the locals and appropriately undertake a decision.
Based on reports, the PIL alleges discrimination between those vaccinated and those who aren’t. It goes on to seek penal action against officials who passed orders on fine collection from those not wearing masks. It believes that this isn’t part of the law and thus is illegal.
Additionally, the petition opines voluntary vaccination and claims that wearing masks are unnecessary. It goes on to prosecute the CM for making such orders.
It also seeks interim compensation of INR 5 crore for a claimed violation of fundamental rights to the petitioner. It has been reported that the Bombay High Court will now hear the PIL on March 21.
Also Read: COVID-19 Protocols Seems To Be Lost In Mumbai Local Trains
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