Take a call on requirement of imposing night curfew without losing further time: Delhi High Court tells AAP government

In view of the alarming situation of COVID-19 in the national capital, the Delhi High Court, on Thursday, asked the Aam Aadmi Party government to take a call on the requirement of imposing night curfew without losing further time. (Rakesh Malhotra vs GNCTD).The order passed by a Division Bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad reads, ."It is now for the Delhi Government to take a call as to whether night curfew is required to be imposed in Delhi or some parts of Delhi and/or other measures need to be adopted to contain the virus. Delhi Govt. shall take a decision on this aspect and implement the same without losing further time.".The court was dealing with advocate Rakesh Malhotra's (Petitioner) petition concerning the rate and status of COVID-19 testing in the city..During the course of the hearing, Delhi government informed the court that the issue of imposition of night curfew is under consideration. .Central government clarified that in terms of the new Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution issued on November 25, State governments and Union Territories were free to impose local restrictions with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19, including night curfew, on their own assessment of the situation. .However, any imposition of a local lockdown outside containment zones would require prior consultation with the Central government, it was added. .The court also said that it was for the Delhi Government to take concrete and tangible steps to involve RWAs and Market Welfare Associations to control the situation at the ground level. .COVID-19 situation critical, all caution thrown to the winds: Delhi High Court pulls up AAP Govt.The court noted that up to November 11, 6562 lives in Delhi were lost to COVID-19 and remarked, ."Even if the mortality rate in Delhi due to the infection is lower than some other cities in India, that can hardly be a solace to those who have lost a near and dear one.".With regards the tests conducted between November 19 and November 25, the Court recorded that there has been a remarkable increase in tests through RT PCR. .As for introducing the Feluda Test Kit as part of the testing protocol, Delhi government said that the issue of its inclusion was being examined. .The court also considered the status of containment zones and the ICU beds in the city. .The court has now asked the Delhi government to state on affidavit if funds collected from the fines recovered has been harnessed back into fighting the COVID-19 infection. .Data is also sought on the number of complaints received and/or how many inspections have been conducted in relation to the 50-persons at wedding norm. .The matter would be heard next on December 3. .Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi with Advocate Satyakam appeared for Delhi government. .Central government was represented by Standing Counsel Anurag Ahluwalia..Read the Order: