The Orissa High Court while hearing a PIL directed State Police to release the seized vehicles of people violating Nationwide Lockdown and flouting the rules.
The divisional bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S. Panda and Justice Biswanath Rath, while hearing the PIL, was informed that during the Lockdown period various vehicles are being seized by the Police authorities on the violation of Lockdown rules.
The court observed that “…availability of vegetables, medicines and other such usable items within walk able distance for all, collection of same involves different category of people including Senior Citizens, women and persons unable to ride cycle may be forcing many people to move to particular areas for such collection.”
Whereas, the Court said until there is lack of proper arrangement for availability of vegetables, medicines and other items of necessity, there should not be complete ban on the movement of vehicles and people may be allowed to move on satisfactory explanation.
The court has directed D.G. of Police to look into this matter from the humanitarian approach.
Whereas, the Court has also directed that all the vehicles already seized shall be released by taking an undertaking in writing from the concerned person that they will not use the vehicle for the same.
“Further such vehicle shall be released at least thrice without imposing fine and only on above undertaking Such practice may continue at least till Government comes up with proper guideline and mechanism for making available of useful commodities indicated hereinabove within walkable distance.”, the Court said.
-India Legal Bureau
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