Impose Two Week Lockdown If Things Are Not In Control: Allahabad HC To UP Govt

Mumbai: In the backdrop of the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the state, the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday requested the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath to implement a two-week lockdown to contain the spike in coronavirus cases.

Nearly a week after the Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court order, the High Court’s request in five cities of the state was turned down.

While hearing a suo moto case on the covid crisis in Uttar Pradesh, a bench led by Justice Siddhart Varma said, “I again request, if things are not in control then impose a two-week lockdown. Please suggest it to your policymakers. It is blowing out of proportion, that is the first thing it seems.”

“There is a shortage of doctors, there is a shortage of staff, oxygen, there is no L1, L2. Everything is good on paper, but the fact is that there is a shortage. With folded hands, we request you to exercise your discretion,” added Justice Varma

The court also directed the state government to strictly enforce the curbs while responding to a Public Interest Litigation.

Earlier, on 19 April, the Allahabad High Court ordered full lockdown in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Varanasi and Gorakhpur by 26 April, after which these cities started reporting high virus load.

The court said that all establishments, be it government or private, will remain closed till April 26, except for essential services, including financial institutions and financial departments, medical and health services, industrial and scientific establishments, municipal works and public transport.

(With Agency Inputs)

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