The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre what it has learnt from the Nizamuddin Markaz congregation earlier this year amid Covid-19, and the same situation may arise with the protesting farmers if precautionary measures are not taken to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Citing the ongoing farmers protest at various Delhi borders, a bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, "You must tell us what is happening?"
The bench also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian queried further, whether farmers protesting at various Delhi borders are taking precaution to contain the spread of Covid-19.
When the Solicitor General replied in negative, the top court said it could potentially become a situation like the Nizamuddin Markaz congregation in the national capital, which happened in March last year. Mehta replied that he will find the status.
The top court asked the Centre to file a report on the steps taken so far to contain Covid and issued a notice on a plea filed by Supriya Pandita through advocate Omprakash Parihar.
The top court emphasized that it is concerned if precautions are not being taken against the spread of Covid in large gatherings.
The bench said it is trying to ensure that Covid-19 does not spread and asked the Centre to ensure guidelines are strictly followed.
Pandita had moved the top court questioning the role of Centre, Delhi government and Delhi police for allowing the huge congregation, including foreign delegates at Nizamuddin Markaz, which risked the health of people amid Covid-19.
The top court also asked the Centre to issue guidelines for the prevention of large gatherings, and Mehta agreed to comply.
The global Islamic religious event, which was attended by hundreds of devotees became “super spreader” as all who attended the event were tested positive for coronavirus. Cases were registered and several of the representative arrested.
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Thousands of farmers from across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, other states have been part of a massive protest in and around the national capital which has crossed over a month now. They are demanding the withdrawal of three agricultural laws as they believe it will make them vulnerable to corporates.
The protesting farmers have been living in makeshift camps, tents with fewer resources and barely available sanitary arrangements.