New Delhi (ILNS): The Delhi High Court judge, Justice Navin Chawla, today asked the Delhi government why spas were not allowed to open even though other public places, such as markets, gyms, restaurants, metro and buses have been operating in the city.
During hearings of a case today, the counsel on behalf of the Central government told the court that Centre issued instructions on November 18 to allow spas to be opened.
The Delhi government however, told the court that it is not allowing it (opening of spas) in view of the third wave of infections of COVID-19 in the city.
Justice Naveen Chawla then asked that if everything is operational in Delhi, why this ban on spas only?
The counsel for the Delhi government said that they had been given oral instructions that spas would not be allowed to open in view of the prevailing situation in the national capital.
The court also directed the Delhi government to clarify in its affidavit what is so special about the spa that they are not being allowed to open?
The counsel for the Government of Delhi sought time to file an affidavit explaining the reasons for this.
The Court was hearing a plea moved by several persons who run spas which have been shut since the first lockdown was enforced in Delhi.
The Petitioners contended that when a maximum number of businesses, like salons, gyms, restaurants and bars, have been granted permission to reopen and even Delhi Metro has been restarted, then why not the spas?
The petitioners have claimed that the spas in other states are running with full safety measures, but are not being permitted in Delhi.
The Court will hear the matter on December 4.