'Heed to citizens' right to life': SC pulls up Kerala over Bakrid relaxations

It warned the Kerala government that it would take action if relaxations granted by state for Bakrid lead to further spread of coronavirus

The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed the Kerala government for giving in to the association of traders and religious pressure groups and relaxing Covid-19 restrictions for Bakrid festivities.

It told the government to pay heed to right to life of citizens and follow its directions in the Kawad Yatra matter.

"We may only say it is shocking state of affairs…..the relaxation of a day in category D (areas having high Covid positivity rate) is wholly uncalled for," a bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai said.

"Pressure groups of any kind, religious or otherwise, cannot in any manner interfere with citizens’ fundamental right to life,” the bench clarified.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for P K D Nambiar, a Delhi resident, submitted the court should pass some order in the matter, as Tuesday was the last day of Covid curbs relaxation.

The plea questioned the Kerala government's decision to relax Covid curbs for three days due to Bakrid festivities.

The bench, however, said “The horse has already bolted”.

Had the plea been filed earlier, then surely something could have been done, the bench said, refraining from passing any order to quash the notification issued by Kerala government.

The court, however, said if there is any spread of the infection due to these relaxations, then any person can bring it to the notice of the court which will take appropriate action.

The issue was raised through an application in a Suo Motu matter on Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow the Kawad Yatra.

The court had told the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision on allowing Kanwad Yatra, or the court will pass order on Monday, in view of looming fear of third wave of Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, UP government cancelled the Yatra.