The Supreme Court of India on Monday (July 19) did not pass any order to stop the Kerala Government’s relaxation in lockdown in view of Bakrid.
The plea was filed on behalf of PKD Nambiar through Advocate Preeti Singh which said “It is shocking that in a medical emergency, the government is playing with the lives of citizens through such measures. The Government of Kerala is ready to sacrifice the health and life of innocent citizens during this critical situation,”
“The political interest and cause cannot overcome the fundamental rights of the citizens of this Nation. The said act of the Government of Kerala is nothing but politically motivated, moreover the said decision is totally contrary to the observation and the spirit qua which this Hon’ble Court has shown it’s concern over the present pitiable situation of this Nation,” the plea stated.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly criticized the decision of the CPM-led Kerala state government to relax lockdown restrictions for the Bakrid festival and filed in the Supreme Court on Monday (19 July), however, the apex court unlike its interference with the annual Kanwar yatra did not pass any order to stop Kerala’s lockdown relaxations for Bakrid.
JUST IN: Supreme Court does not pass any order to stop Kerala's lockdown relaxations for #Bakrid shopping for now. Pinarayi Govt gets what it wants. Next hearing tomorrow morning. https://t.co/IgzE6B6fcg
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) July 19, 2021
On Sunday (18 July), IMA had stated that while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have stopped the annual pilgrimage yatras, the ‘learned’ state Kerala had taken these retrograde decisions and the medical association demanded the Kerala state government withdraw its order immediately and enforce zero-tolerance against appropriate covid behaviours.
Kerala on Sunday (18 July) reported 13,956 new Covid-19 cases and 114 deaths , the highest in a month. However continuing with its policy of appeasment the CPM-led has decided to relax lockdown restrictions for three days from Sunday because of the Bakrid festival.
The final decision was taken in a meeting that was convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with a delegation of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES) led by their leader T Naseeruddin.
As of now, On Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha) on July 21, shops selling textiles, footwear, jewelry, home appliances, and electronic items as well as all types of repair shops and essential goods shops will be allowed to open on July 18, 19, and 20 from 7 am to 8 pm in category A, B, and C areas. In category D areas, these shops will be allowed to function only on July 19.
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