No prompt action taken against violators of social distancing norms; actors and politicians should be an example for public: Karnataka HC

The Karnataka High Court on Friday observed that the state government was not taking prompt action against persons who are not wearing masks and maintaining social distance, especially in public places, amid the COVID-19 pandemic..The Court made this observation while hearing a plea alleging that the National Directives for COVID-19 Management, part of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines, were not being followed in the state. .A Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Ashok S Kinagi held,."It has almost been six months that the pademic of COVID-19 has come to stay. Judicial notice will have to be taken of the fact that rules relating to compulsory use of masks are being followed in breach."Karnataka High Court.[COVID-19] "Time to act with firm hands", Karnataka HC directs State to take action against persons violating social distancing norms.During the hearing, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) informed the Court that appropriate action had been taken against 19,500 persons for not wearing masks, and against a few others for spitting in public places. .In an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 cases, the Bench went on to pass the following directions:.State government will have to issue directions to all the authorities concerned to ensure that those who violate rules regarding masks and social distancing are proceeded against in the most effective manner. This is in view of the fact that everyday, more than 9,000 COVID-19 positive cases are being reported in the State. State needs to taken special measures to ensure that the rules regarding masks and social distancing are strictly followed in the places of religion or in places where there is large congregation. State government shall consider issuing directions to various authorized officers to make frequent visits to popular places of religion to ascertain whether the said rules are being complied with. Everyone will have to bear in mind that breach of rules relating to wearing of masks may lead to spread of COVID-19. As regards the use of swimming pools, it not clarified whether the embargo imposed by the Government of India is in relation to all swimming pools or whether it is confined only to public swimming pools. State must clarify this aspect. State government, its agencies/instrumentalities and local bodies must take instances of violation of social distancing and wearing masks seriously, irrespective of the status of the persons involved..The Court also noted specific instances of violation of social distancing norms in the state based on the affidavits filed by the petitioners. On the point of a visit of an MP and an actor to the Chamundeswari Temple, the grievance was that the persons who accompanied them were not wearing masks or following social distancing. .[COVID-19] No machinery in place to check whether SOPs are being followed: Karnataka HC pulls up govt in plea on social distancing norms.The Court further was of the opinion that the report submitted by the District Commissioner in response to the said allegations was far from satisfactory. .With regard to a function organized by state government on June 27 celebrating Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti, the main allegation was that some persons who attended the event were not wearing masks. The Court observed that no inquiry was made in the matter. Similar greivances were raised in another instance relating to the funeral of a popular Kannada actor. ."The Inquiry made in the specific instances of violation of social distancing rules are far from satisfactory. State government has to file a better report pertaining to the alleged violations", directed the Bench. .In its order, the Bench further said that, ."What is more of importance is that the rules regarding compulsory wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing must be followed by all. Political leaders and actors should set an example which could be followed by the members of the public."Karnataka High Court.As the hearing drew a close, Advocate GR Mohan said that prevention is better than cure and therefore, suggested that a special squad will have to be present at religious places to ensure that social distancing norms are not violated by the public. .To this, the Bench orally remarked, ."These are all matter of policy of the Government, the best preventive measure will be to keep places of religion closed.".The matter has been adjourned to October 6.