Will only hasten 3rd wave: Delhi HC flags violations as city unlocks

New Delhi, June 18: The Delhi High Court on Friday warned that breach of Covid protocol will only hasten the third wave and asked the Centre and Delhi government to take strict action against violators and sensitise shopkeepers.

A vacation bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Asha Menon took note of certain photographs sent to one of the judges of the high court by an AIIMS doctor showing scant regard for Covid protocols by street vendors in the markets.

''We have paid a huge price in the second wave. We don't know if there is any household which has not suffered in the second wave, closely or remotely,'' the bench observed, adding that ''we as a citizen of this city are worried when we see these images''.

It further said the memory of the second wave of COVID-19 is still fresh with so many people having suffered personal loss. ''Such breach will only hasten the third wave, which is likely to come and this cannot be permitted,'' it added. Taking suo motu cognisance of the photographs, the HC initiated a PIL, directing the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police to file status reports.

Observing that people need deterrent but it should come from within, the court fixed the next hearing on July 9, directing it be placed before the Chief Justice.

With close gathering of shoppers in markets and restaurants resuming business amid phased unlock in the national capital, doctors have cautioned that Delhi could face a "worse than second wave situation" of COVID-19 if people do not adhere to safety norms or lower their guards.

The remarks comes at a time visuals of various crowded markets surfaced in reports and on social media, showing Covid-appropriate behaviour not being followed by many people, like wearing of masks or maintaining social distance.

The Delhi government has allowed resumption of almost all business activities curtailed after the lockdown was imposed during the second wave of COVID-19.