The Allahabad HC expressed displeasure at the fact that not only the police authorities had failed to effectively enforce social distancing and wearing of masks, but they themselves are seen roaming about, without masks.
It was observed by the bench that in our country, we very successfully locked down the country for god three months. While the lockdown was imposed, it was found that the police were really effective. Today, when social distancing and wearing of masks have to be done in letter and spirit it is found that strict enforcement is missing. Quite often, it has been found that even police personnel outside their police stations are not wearing masks.
The remarks were made while hearing the suo moto PIL registered by the HC to address Covid-19 related issues. The HC ordered that no person should be seen outside his/her house a mask on his/her face and he or she should check that the mask covers both the nose and the mouth.
However, today it observed that the police personnel themselves were not complying with its directions. It is possible that the task forces which have been constituted by the Senior Superintendent of Police and the Superintendent of Police in various districts, might be enforcing social distancing and they might be asking various people to wear masks but the usual civil police have not reacted in the manner they ought to have.
Lastly, the court has asked the govt. counsel to apprise it as to how clinical trials for COVID vaccine are being proceeded with and as to by when ICMR or the concerned Authorities propose to finally complete the same.
