Delhi High Court says Govt should take measures to shift Afghan refugees protesting outside UNHCR office

The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the Central and State governments to take measures to shift Afghan refugees protesting outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) [Vasant Vihar Welfare Association v Union of India]..Single-judge Justice Rekha Palli did not pass any order but asked the government to take appropriate steps failing which it will pass concrete directions. The Court was hearing a plea by Vasant Vihar Welfare Association seeking removal of refugees The petitioner society pointed out how refugees from Afghanistan have collected outside the UNHCR office since August 15 when Taliban took over the country.It was stated that there are 500 refugees collected outside the UN building, though the permitted number at any gathering is 100 people as per orders of Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).It was submitted that the crowd was neither adhering to social distancing norms nor wearing masks and it could prove to be a potential super spreader of COVID-19. Since the UNHCR building is very close to the society, the crowd is causing hindrance to their movement, it was contended.When the matter was first heard, the Court had asked for a report from the State regarding steps taken by them to make sure the protesters are following Covid norms..When the matter was heard on Friday, Senior Advocate Satyakam appearing on behalf of State, confirmed that a status report has been filed. He also submitted all protesters were provided masks by the State itself..He further highlighted the guidelines issued by State for protesting at the national capitalAs per the same, if the number of protesters is 1000 or less, they can protest at Jantar Mantar. Otherwise, they will have to move to Ramlila Maidan.Apart from this, protesters have to seek permission of the state, 7 days before the protest. .The Court then noted that the protests were in violation of guidelines since a crowd under 1,000 can hold protests only at Jantar Mantar. "You are taking a contrary stand, first you are saying 500 people are not allowed then you are saying if you want to protest do it like this."The State counsel submitted that they are looking at the larger picture, since the protesters are refugees who are here by compulsion and not choice. "While the state has power to use force to move them, on humanitarian grounds they have not used it yet," it was submitted by the State..The same argument was put forward by the counsel for Central government who requested the Court not to pass any adverse orders for the time being. He assured that Delhi Police will look into the matter and sought time till Tuesday, September 7..The Court acceded to request and adjourned the matter for September 7 while reiterating that the government should take appropriate steps.