The Allahabad High Court while hearing an application of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary and BSP MP Afzal Ansari, accused of taking out a procession in violation of Covid rules in Sector 49 of Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida), directed that no coercive action should be taken against them till April 16.
A Single Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh passed this order while hearing an application filed by Bhupesh Baghel.
The Court noted that the State Counsel submitted that pursuant to order of the Court dated 15.03.2024, they have received instructions from Dr Sanjeev Gupta, Secretary (Home), U.P Government vide letter dated 17.03.2024, wherein it is mentioned that since it is a matter of policy decision, therefore, two weeks’ time may be allowed to the State Government to take appropriate decision in the matter and to apprise the Court about the specific stand of the State on the issues involved in such matter.
Accordingly, the Court allowed the three weeks’ time to the State to take decision in the matter pursuant to instructions dated 17.03.2024.
Till the next date of listing, no coercive action shall be taken against the applicant in Case under Sections 188, 269, 270 IPC and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, Police Station Noida Sector 49, District Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar) pending in the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar, the Court ordered.
It is alleged that in February 2022, these leaders held a rally in Noida and took out a procession by gathering a crowd in violation of the Covid rules and guidelines. After this, an FIR was registered.
The Court has fixed the next hearing of the petition on 16.04.2024.