[Amit Shah rally in Belagavi] Why were no FIRs registered for violation of social distancing norms? Karnataka High Court to Police Commissioner

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday pulled up the Police Commissioner of Belagavi for failing to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against violators who attended a political rally organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Belagavi on January 17 this year..On January 17, the BJP held a rally at the Belagavi District Stadium led by Home Minister Amit Shah. The Court was apprised that thousands of people participated in the rally, in violation of social distancing guidelines..A Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Suraj Govindaraj castigated the Police Commissioner for approaching the issue in a casual manner. Terming the affidavit filed by the officer as “ignorant”, the Court in its order recorded,“Perhaps the Commissioner was unaware about the provisions of said regulation made under the of Act of 2020 (Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act). Perhaps the Commissioner is not aware of the said order as the State government has not complied with directions issued under the order dated April 15......The Commissioner has relied upon photographs in an envelope annexed as R2. The photo shows that without maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, there was a huge congregation on January 17. The affidavit of the Commissioner shows that not a single FIR was registered against violators. Reading the affidavit as a whole, we find that the Commissioner approached the matter very casually. A large gathering came together in Belagavi where rules regarding wearing masks and social distancing were thrown to the wind. The Commissioner seems to be satisfied with the recovery of a fine of Rs 20,900. We direct the Commissioner to explain why no FIRs were registered for violation of the Act of 2020 and Rules framed thereunder.".The Court made the observation while hearing a plea moved by Letzkit Foundation, seeking strict implementation of COVID-19 norms in the State..During the hearing, the Court opined that the State government had not complied with the Court's previous orders. In its April 15 order, the Court had held that compounding fee for violation of social distancing norms must be recovered not just from the organizer of a congregation or rally, but also from every participant of the same..It was further observed that non-compliance with the provisions of the Act of 2020 as well as Court orders have a direct nexus to the spread of COVID-19 in the State..“There are various directions issued under order dated April 15; the State government has not reported compliance with said directions. The directions are essentially issued to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act 2020 and regulations framed thereunder. Compliance has direct nexus with the spread of the COVID-19 cases. Moreover, the direction contained in para 2 of the order dated 22 April has not been complied with. We grant time till June 3 to the State government for reporting compliance.”.[COVID Lockdown] Karnataka High Court quizzes State government after CM BS Yediyurappa's son travels to temple in Mysuru district.The Court was apprised of how son of Chief Minister BY Yediyurappa, BY Vijayendra, was allegedly allowed to enter a temple in Kolar to celebrate his birthday. Noting this, the Court went on to direct the State to file a response in the matter. .The matter will be next heard on June 4.