Plea Seeking Permission To Reopen Spa Centres Within A Week: Delhi HC Grants Time To Delhi Govt For Getting Instructions

The Delhi High Court has granted time to the Delhi Government in order to take instruction and inform the Court about its decision on reopening spa centres in the national capital.

A single judge bench comprising of Justice Rekha Palli was dealing with a plea seeking directions on the Delhi Government to permit the reopening and functioning of Spa Centres in Delhi within a week.

ASC Naushad Ahmed Khan appearing on behalf of the Delhi Government informed the Court that it was conscious about the persons who earn their livelihood from spa businesses and were suffering from want of work. 

However, time was sought for obtaining necessary instructions in the matter as a balanced view had to be taken by the Government in the light of second Covid wave's aftermath.

During the course of hearing, Senior Advocate Sachin Datta appearing on behalf of the petitioner argued that once the government has permitted salons in the city to open and operate, there is no reason to deprive spas from doing the same.

In view of the request of the Delhi Government seeking time to obtain instructions, the Court allowed the request and posted the matter for further hearing on July 20.

In a similar development, the Court had issued notice on a petition alleging inordinate delay by the Government in issuing guidelines for opening up spa centres in the national capital, that were closed in wake of the second Covid-19 wave. It had been alleged that spa centres are being discriminated with salons, gyms and other establishments which have been permitted to open up.

The petitioners had challenged the guidelines dated June 26, 2021, issued by the Delhi Government allowing opening of salons, gyms and yoga institutions thereby specifically prohibiting reopening of spa centres. Stating that there is an unlawful and inordinate delay in framing of the guidelines for spa centres, the plea avers that the Government has issued the impugned guidelines without application of mind.

Title: DELHI WELLNESS SPA ASSOCIATION v. GNCTD