Mahima
The Calcutta High Court urged to be mindful of the Covid-19 guidelines while campaigning for the ongoing Legislative Assembly Elections in the State.
These guidelines are laid down by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan and Justice Arjit Banerjee remarked, “Stringent measures must be taken against persons who fail, neglect or refuse to obey the COVID protocols. Callous, irresponsible and nonchalant attitude or behavior of some of the members of the society cannot be permitted to endanger the lives of the other members of the society. If the Administration finds that a person, whether engaged in campaigning or otherwise, is flouting the COVID protocols, such person must be taken to task immediately”.
The Court further directed all District Magistrates (DMs) to ensure that all guidelines are being followed in its extremity and utilise assistance of police force or resort to provisions of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, if deemed necessary.
The Court was hearing two public interest litigation petitions concerning people’s non-adherence to the Covid-19 protocol while actively participating in election campaigns which may cause a serious spike of infections in West Bengal.
The bench further added, “We are sure that the contesting candidates and their aides and associates who are all responsible citizens of the country, would realise the enormous gravity of the situation and encourage all concerned to unfailingly observe the COVID rules in the interest of all concerned”.
