'Matter Under Active Consideration, Final Decision Likely To Be Taken Soon": Delhi Govt Informs High Court On Reopening Of Spa Centres

The Delhi Government on Tuesday informed the High Court that a final decision on reopening of spa centres, that were closed in wake of the second of Covid-19, will be taken by it soon as the matter is under consideration of the authorities.

The development came while Justice Rekha Palli was dealing with pleas seeking directions on the Delhi Government to permit the reopening and functioning of Spa Centres in Delhi, like gyms, salons, etc.

ASC Naushad Ahmed Khan appearing on behalf of the Delhi Government informed the Court that the file was forwarded to the concerned authority and that a final decision is expected to be taken within a few days.

Noting the aforesaid submission, the Court suggested that the Government, while taking a decision to reopen the spa centres, must also consider the conditions that only vaccinated employees or clients are allowed to enter the spa Centres. Along with this, the Court also suggested that the factor regarding curtailing the number of persons using the spa centres at a time may also be considered by the Government.

Advocate Manik Dogra appearing for Delhi Wellness Spa Association submitted before the Court that livelihood of over 30,000 people was at stake due to the non functionality of spa centres.

The matter is now adjourned to July 27.

Earlier, the High Court had granted time to the Delhi Government in order to take instruction and inform the Court about its decision on reopening spa centres in the national capital.

The Court also heard another clubbed petition in which notice was issued earlier this month. The plea had alleged that there was an inordinate delay by the Government in issuing guidelines for opening up spa centres in the national capital. It had been alleged that spa centres are being discriminated with salons, gyms and other establishments which have been permitted to open up.

The petitioners had challenged the guidelines dated June 26, 2021, issued by the Delhi Government allowing opening of salons, gyms and yoga institutions, thereby specifically prohibiting reopening of spa centres. Stating that there is an unlawful and inordinate delay in framing of the guidelines for spa centres, the plea avers that the Government has issued the impugned guidelines without application of mind.

Title: DELHI WELLNESS SPA ASSOCIATION v. GNCTD