The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern at the protesting farmers risking Covid-19 infection by camping outside Delhi in such large numbers. The bench of Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian was hearing the petition filed by Jammu-based lawyer Supriya Pandita seeking inquiry into the aspects leading to the Tablighi Jamaat convention in the capital amid the pandemic.
CJI Bobde said the same problem is going to arise in the farmers’ protest also. The farmers are not protected from Covid-19, the CJI said. He asked Socilictor General Tushar Mehta if proper precautions were in place at the protest site. Mehta said he would return with the required information.
Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Om Prakash Parihar read the prayer before judges. He submitted that no statement has been made with respect to Maulana Saad. Solicitor General Mehta said investigations in the case are going on and that a reply has already been filed. However, a report will be filed, he added.
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The petitioner has questioned the role of the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police for risking the health of millions of citizens by allowing the huge congregation comprising foreign delegates when the pandemic had already struck.