Delhi High Court blasts Kejriwal government amid coronavirus pandemic

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Delhi High Court blasts Kejriwal government amid coronavirus pandemic
Delhi High Court blasts Kejriwal government amid coronavirus pandemic

New Delhi : Delhi High Court came down heavily on Arvind Kejriwal government on Thursday after it capped the number of attendees in wedding to 50 from 200 in wake of the rising number of coronavirus cases in India.

"You (Delhi government) saw from November 1 which way the wind was blowing. But you turn turtle now because we asked you some questions. The bell should have rung loud and clear when the numbers were spiralling. Why did you not wake up when you saw the situation was deteriorating?" the court asked, according to a PTI report.

"Why did we have to shake you out of your slumber on November 11? What did you do from November 1 till November 11? Why did you wait 18 days (till November 18) to make a decision? Do you know how many lives were lost during this period? Can you explain it to those who lost their near and dear ones," the bench asked.

On Tuesday, Arvind Kejriwal had announced that only 50 people will be allowed to attend a wedding in Delhi instead of 200 till further notice.

Delhi on Wednesday recorded 7,486 new COVID-19 cases, with 131 deaths - the highest fatalities for a 24-hour duration till now in the city. The High Court today referred to this as "disheartening".

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has announced that there will be no further lockdown in the national capital; instead, restrictions will be imposed on the hotspots.

Taking cognisance of the situation, the High Court today noted that the quantum of fine for not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing - Rs 500 for first violation and Rs 1,000 for every subsequent violation - did not appear to be working as a deterrent, according to PTI.