Delhi Govt Allows Opening Of Weekly Markets, High Court Reiterates Vendors To Ensure Vaccination At The Earliest

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday disposed of a plea filed by Saptahik Patri Bazar Association after the Delhi Government allowed opening of weekly markets in the national capital with effect from August 9. 

Justice Rekha Palli however reiterated its earlier observation that the vendors should ensure getting themselves vaccinated, if not already done, in order to avoid a third covid wave.

"Though the grievance of the petitioner stands addressed, it is once again expected and reiterated that vendors should ensure that they are vaccinated vaccinated at earliest, if not already vaccinated," the Court said. 

The Court was dealing with a plea challenging the Delhi Government's decision to open malls and markets but not weekly markets.

Earlier, the Court had sought response of the Delhi Government and also remarked that it was expected from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority that it will consider the aforesaid issue in the right perspective.

In view of this, the Delhi Government on Tuesday informed the Court that a decision has been taken wherein it has permitted opening of all weekly markets from August 9. Reliance was placed on the order issued by Delhi Disaster Management Authority dated August 8.

According to the said order, while permitting the opening of weekly markets, the DDMA has also specified covid related protocols to be followed.

Appreciating the aforesaid action, the Court said:

"The Court is happy to note that by permitting the weekly markets to open, the Respondent has proposed to hold RTPCR/RAT tests in weekly markets on a regular basis."

Accordingly, the plea was disposed off.

During the previous course of hearing, Advocate Rajat Wadhwa appearing on behalf of the petitioner association highlighted the concern of poor vendors who were suffering due to the said action.

He also submitted that there will be more crowd if only one weekly market is allowed to open in a municipal zone as it would lead to more crowd. 

Title: SAPTAHIK PATRI BAZAR ASSOCIATION V. GNCTD