Will Take Decision On COVID Norms Violation Case Against Akhilesh Yadav & Jayant Chaudhary By June 2024: UP Govt To High Court

The case against the prominent leaders stems from alleged violations of COVID-19 protocols in 2022, including taking out a procession violating COVID rules in Gautam Buddha Nagar. The leaders have been booked under Sections 188, 269, 270 I.P.C. and Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act.

Essentially, the state government has to take a policy decision as to whether criminal proceedings against the leaders will continue in this case.

On the last day of the hearing in the matter, the Government counsel informed the Court that the state government would make a policy decision regarding the issue involved in the present case and in other similar/connected matters by the end of June 2024.

In light of the Government's submission, the court sought personal affidavits from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Principal Secretary (Law) Government of UP. The same was filed and taken on record by the Court on Tuesday.

Taking note of the stand of the Government of UP, a bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh stayed coercive action in the case against the political leaders till July 30.

The Court also expressed a hope that the undertaking given by state government officials would be complied with in the true sense.

Essentially, the allegations against Yadav and Chaudhary are that they, along with 300-400 unknown persons, were travelling from Luharli Gate, Gautam Budh Nagar, towards Noida on February 3, 2022. They were welcomed by the co-accused persons, and during that process, a large gathering was assembled, which resulted in violating the guidelines of COVID-19.

It is the further accusation that at that time, the proclamation under Section 144 CrPC, as well as Model Code of Conduct, was also in force and from 10 pm to 8 am, there was a prohibition on canvassing and in that way, the proclamation under Section 144 CrPC, COVID-19 guidelines as well as the Model Code of Conduct were violated.

Yadav and Chaudhary were booked under Sections 188, 269, 270 IPC and Section-3/4 of the Epidemic Diseases Act and both of them were summoned by the local court. Challenging the summoning order and the entire criminal proceedings, the instant plea was moved.