Mandi Shivaratri Fair: Himachal Pradesh High Court Gives Go-Ahead To The International Fair Approving Government's Arrangements

The Bench of Chief Justice L. Narayana Swamy and Justice Anoop Chitkara was hearing a plea filed by a practicing Advocate at Mandi who contended that if people are allowed to participate in the fair, there would will be a public congregation, which may cause prejudice/injury to the society as a whole.

It was further submitted that during this COVID-19 pandemic, as per the guidelines of the Government of India and the State of Himachal Pradesh, large congregations have been permitted but the respondents have not made any arrangement in implementing the guidelines which may ultimately be fatal to the public.

In response to this, on 09^th March 2021, the Court issued notice to the respondents and on 10^th March 2021, Senior Additional Advocate General placed on record instructions, wherein it was decided to organize the fair keeping in view all COVID-19 protocols and guidelines issued by the Centre and State Government from time to time.

The Court was apprised that the following arrangements are being made during the fair:-

• Adequate entry/exit points ensured in Mela Ground
• Foot driven sanitizer machines installed at all entry points in Shivratri Mela Ground.
• Adequate number of dustbins being placed in the Mela Ground.
• 50 Social Emergency Response Volunteers deployed in the Mela premises to ensure social distancing and Covid-19 related protocol compliance.
• Thermal Screening to be carried out at entry points.
• All have been advised to install Arogya Setu App while coming to Mela premises.
• 5000 face masks to be kept in reserve to be provided to needy persons if someone is found in the mela without the mask.
• Teams of Medical/Police deployed as Mela Ground to screen symptomatic persons, if someone is found infected/symptomatic, he/she will be isolated immediately.
• Spiting has been prohibited.
• Advisory issued to the elderly people, pregnant women, and children below 10 years of age not to visit mela premises.
• Compulsory RTPCR Covid-19 test for all Cooks/catering staff ensured who will prepared/serve Dham/community food during the Mela.
• Appeal made to contact Toll-Free Numbers 104 and 1077 in case of any health-related problem/exigency

In view of these arrangements, the Court expressed its satisfaction with the guidelines/steps taken by the respondents while organizing Shivratri and other social participation.

Lastly, the respondents were also directed to take steps not only in festivals like Shivratri, but, also wherever people gather for other purposes.

With this, the petition stood disposed of.

Case title - Lawan Thakur v. State of H.P. & others [CWPIL N.5 of 2021]

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