[COVID-19] Karnataka High Court asks State to explore mechanism to register complaints via WhatsApp, Telegram on social distancing violations

The Karnataka High Court on Friday urged the State government to make provision to register complaints through Whatsapp and Telegram regarding violations of social distancing norms. .A Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj made this suggestion after it was informed by the State that it has formulated a grievance redressal mechanism, so that citizens may complain about social distancing violations happening in the State.The grievance redressal mechanism was formulated pursuant to an earlier direction given by the Court in the matter.The Court on Friday opined that it would be easy for citizens to file complaints and annex photographs of violations through WhatsApp.It, therefore, proceeded to order the following:.“Along with a memo, a note dated June 2 forming a grievance redressal mechanism under the Karnataka Epidemic diseases Act has been filed. We direct that wide publicity be given to the mechanism which is set up under the note dated June 2. It would be appropriate if the State government makes available sending complaints (on violations of social distancing norms) through whatsapp and Telegram as well,” the Court ordered..[Amit Shah rally in Belagavi] Why were no FIRs registered for violation of social distancing norms? Karnataka High Court to Police Commissioner.The suggestion by the Court was supported by petitioner advocates Puthige Ramesh and GR Mohan..[COVID Lockdown] Karnataka High Court quizzes State government after CM BS Yediyurappa's son travels to temple in Mysuru district.However, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the State government, submitted that the date of photographs cannot be traced and that such a mechanism could lead to information overload on WhatsApp..Nonetheless, the Court ordered the State to consider its suggestion..The order was passed on a plea moved by NGO Letzkit Foundation, seeking strict implementation of COVID-19 norms in the State..During the hearing, Mohan informed the Court about various violations happening in Belagavi in northern Karnataka. .Hearing this, the Court asked him to approach the authorities through the newly formulated grievance redressal mechanism.“Let us test the mechanism. If there is no compliance, we will come down heavily on them,” the Court said..When the Court asked the State about the status report regarding a January 17 incident wherein a rally organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Belagavi leading to violation of social distancing norms, the former sought more time..On January 17, the BJP had held a rally at the Belagavi District Stadium led by Home Minister Amit Shah. The Court was previously apprised that thousands of people participated in that rally in violation of social distancing guidelines..Regarding the incident pertaining to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's son, BY Vijayendra violating COVID-19 lockdown guidelines to visit a temple, AAG Chinnappa told the Bench that a report has been sought from the Deputy Commissioner of Police..The Court granted time till June 9 for the State government to file an affidavit in the said instances..As the hearing progressed, it was pointed that counsel for BJP was not present before the Court.“5th respondent (BJP) is the only one flouting the COVID-19 norms”, Mohan submitted..The Court proceeded to order,“The 5th respondent (BJP) is unrepresented today. Compliance has not been made with the earlier orders. If the 5th respondent does not appear in the next hearing, we will have to procure the presence of the office-bearers.”.The matter will be next heard on June 10.