The Delhi High Court on Tuesday, termed the state government’s order making it compulsory for solitary drivers to wear COVID-19 masks in cars “absurd.”
A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh told the Delhi government’s legal counsel, “It is a Delhi government order, why don’t you withdraw it. It is absurd actually. You are sitting in your own car and you must wear the mask?” news agency PTI reported.
“Why is this order prevailing? Take instructions,” the bench added.
The state government’s legal counsel, senior advocate Rahul Mehra, informed the high court that the rule needed revision, as the COVID-19 situation was improving.
He told the bench that the court had on April 7, 2021 ruled that those who are driving alone would have to wear a mask as the car is deemed a public place.
The bench asked Mehra since the order was passed by the state government, why it could not be withdrawn.
Informing the bench that if the rescindment was undertaken as a government exercise, he said it would be a protracted process, and an order from the court to the same effect would be more expeditious.
“Mehra has submitted that due to change in the situation, the DDMA should also look at several orders issued by it in relation to COVID restrictions,” the court ordered adding that they hope and expect DDMA to look into all aspects, and premised on medical opinion, issue fresh orders with respect to COVID restrictions,” reported LiveLaw.
