COVID-19: Madras HC Restricts All Protests Until Pandemic Threat Abates [Read Order]

While hearing a batch of petitions seeking direction to prevent agitations in various parts of the state, the court observed that the government had already issued an advisory, asking people to avoid overcrowding and to hold their protests until the threat of the pandemic subsides.

Noting that few protestors had not been complying with the above direction, a bench comprising of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Krishnan Ramasamy said,

"Now, we are more concerned with the present scenario wherein a pandemic has set in. Steps have been taken both by the Central and State Governments to control the spread of Corona virus. Even this Court, as mentioned in the memorandum of adjournment, has taken certain austerity measures. The issue now is not concerned with the right to protesters alone but the overall interest of the entire citizenry."

On Wednesday, the High Court had restricted its functioning to hear only urgent cases. Stating that the idea was to observe 'social-distancing', the High Court ordered that there shall not be any protests/processions/ demonstrations till the threat of Corona Virus abates.

The court further directed:

• If any such activity either goes on now or started henceforth, the official respondents shall take appropriate steps to stop it;
• The protests or assembly are not restricted to any single issue or group of persons and, therefore, to be made applicable to all;
• The State Government may issue appropriate advisories not to have any functions during the interregnum;
• Insofar as the marriages fixed already are concerned, the State Government may further give an advisory requesting the parties either to consider postponement or reduce the gathering.

The matter has now been posted for consideration on April 21.

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