Be proactive against COVID-19 violators: Gauhati High Court to police

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has asked the Superintendents of Police (SPs) and the Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of police stations to ensure adequate security arrangements on roads to prevent violation of COVID-19 safety norms at public places during the Durga Puja festival.

Hearing a PIL (53/2020), a division bench of Chief Justice (Acting) N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Manish Choudhury has asked the SPs and OCs to depute additional and adequate number of police personnel in places of worship or in those places where there is possibility of people gathering during the festive season. The High Court has also asked the police to take adequate and appropriate actions against those violating the COVID-safety norms — particularly those who do not put on masks and do not maintain social distancing in public places.

The High Court has observed that people are expected to come out in large numbers during the festive time; and in such a crucial time it is important that the law-enforcing authorities enforce the norms and protocols framed by the authorities to prevent spread of COVID-19.