Plea Filed in Delhi High Court to direct Centre, EC to Debar Candidates for flouting Covid protocols

NEW DELHI: In view of the rising coronavirus cases and the politicians flouting Covid-19 protocols, in poll bound states, a plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking direction to the Central Government and the Election Commission of India to prohibit campaigners as well as candidates from canvassing in the states.

The plea filed by Dr Vikram Singh said that while announcing the elections, the EC in its notification has mandated that every person shall wear face mask during every election related activity. However, it has been observed that time and again various campaigners and their supporters ditched the masks while campaigning for the ensuing elections.

The petition further sought to debar such campaigners and candidates from campaigning in the election either permanently or for a stipulated, sufficiently long period, if they repeatedly violate the mandatory masking guidelines.

Reportedly, the petition is likely to be heard on March 22.

The petition also added while common men are penalized for not following the rules the high and mighty ones get away scot free. "When such campaigners from all political parties are not wearing masks, not only they put themselves at risk, but also the common public at large," it said.

Despite the EC has issued necessary directives for the elections "it has failed to implement the same". Expressing concern over the rising cases it also stated that since a swarm of people attend the election rallies, even a single positive person can become a super spreader in the event.

Referring to the measures taken by the aviation sector the plea stated that the High Court has issued direction following which standard operating procedures (SOP) has been put into place and strict action has been initiated against unruly passengers.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was necessary to stop the 'emerging second wave' of the coronavirus and directed the states to take necessay steps to contain the spread of the virus. 

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