KARNATAKA HC DIRECTED THE STATED GOVERNMENT TO FORM A GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM TO RECEIVE COVID-19 VIOLATION COMPLAINT

23rd April 2021  

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj of Karnataka HC directed the State Government to form a grievance redressal mechanism within 3 days through which citizens can complain about the violation of Covid 19 norms. The bench directed this after hearing a petition filed by Letzkit Foundation praying to direct the state government to form the redressal mechanism so that the state and City level committee can look into such complaints.

It added that the grievance mechanism shall be notified widely through publicity, through newspapers and media. It shall be also published in all offices of local authorities. Complaints shall be made through emails, WhatsApp or any other form of media.

In its previous order, the court clarified that Sec 5 (1) of the Karnataka Epidemic Disease Act will not be attracted only to leaders organisation the rallies; but every citizen who participates and commits violation by not wearing masks or not maintaining social distancing.

The Court ordered the DGP to issue guidelines to all police authorities to take action sec 10 (1) of the Act for implementation of penal provisions.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal

Pc - print