Plea In Delhi High Court Challenging Delhi Govt's Decision To Permit 100% Seating Capacity In Delhi Metro, DTC/ Cluster Buses

A plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the decision of the Delhi Government to permit 100% seating capacity in the Metro as well as DTC and cluster buses plying in the national capital that prohibit standing of passengers by stating that the such an action will encourage flouting of social distancing norms.

Filed by Advocate SB Tripathi, the plea additionally prays for direction to the Delhi Government to permit plying of Delhi Metro and buses with 50% seating capacity and also to allow standing of passengers.

The plea was listed before a single judge bench comprising of Justice Rekha Palli which posted the matter before the division bench already dealing with the petitions concerning the covid 19 situation in the city.

"Keeping in view the fact that Division Bench-II is already dealing with cases relating to the management of COVID-19 in the NCT of Delhi, list the present petition before Division Bench-II, subject to orders of Hon'ble the Chief Justice, on 17.08.2021," the Court ordered.

Stating that the dangers of third covid wave still persists, the plea avers that the Delhi Government overlooked such a fact by permitting 100% seating capacity in Metro and buses. 

Placing reliance on another order passed by the Delhi Government wherein it was resolved that all restaurants, cinema halls, multiplexes etc will be allowed to run on 50% seating capacity, the plea reads thus:

"That it is submitted that Delhi Govt. has no basis to make different rules for transport services in Delhi and different rules Bars, Cinema halls/theatres/multiplexes, for Restaurants,.Auditoriums/ Assembly Halls etc."

The plea therefore submits that the said decision of permitting 100% seating capacity may lead to third covid wave, prior to the predicted date.

The matter will now be heard on August 17.

Title: S B Tripathi v. GNCTD

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