Give Wide Publicity For Grievance Redressal Mechanism For Violation Of COVID Norms : Karnataka High Court

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj said "Along with memo the state government has produced a notification dated June 2, regarding setting up of grievance redressal mechanism for reporting violation of the provision of Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020. We direct state to ensure that wide publicity is given to grievance redressal mechanism. It will also be appropriate if the state government also makes a facility of sending complaints through whats app or telegram."

As per the notification citizens can report violation on the following toll free numbers which are 1912, 100 and 112 in Bengaluru or via sending email on: cabkarnataka@gmail.com while in other districts citizens can complain on the following toll free numbers, 104, 100 and 112, and via sending email on cabkarnataka@gmail.com.

The court in its earlier order while hearing a petition filed by Letzkit foundation had directed the state government to set up a grievance redressal mechanism through which citizens can complain about violations of Covid-19 regulations, regarding non wearing of masks and maintaining social distance. It had also observed ""Right to lead a healthy life is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Right to lead a healthy life cannot be obstructed by individuals who do not bother to follow the rules regarding wearing masks, maintaining social distance, congregating etc."

Advocate G R Mohan placed on record certain documents informing about continued violations in Bengaluru city. Similarly, advocate N Sharada informed about continued violations in Belgavi districts.

To which the court directed both of them to lodge their complaints by taking help of a grievance mechanism set up by the state government. It said "if complaints are not acted upon the court is bound to take a serious view of it."

During the hearing Additional Advocate General Dhyan Chinnappa sought a few day's time to file response regarding the incident pertaining to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's son, BY Vijayendra violating COVID-19 lockdown guidelines to visit a temple. Also the fresh affidavit of Belgavi police commissioner in regards to the January 17, which was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and where it claimed that there were violations of covid norms. The Court granted time till June 9 for the State government to file an affidavit in the said instances.