Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 1: The state high court (HC), which took up a batch of urgent public interest litigations relating to lockdown ordered to stop the spread of coronavirus infection, issued certain directions orally after its special division bench heard the petitions through video conferencing facility.

The high court asked the director-general of police (DGP), referring to videos showing caning of people on the roads by the police, to exercise restraint. It asked the officer to formulate specific guidelines that are applicable all over the state and issue a circular in the matter.

It wanted to ensure that children and pregnant women do not stop getting midday meal and vaccine, even though Anganwadis are closed on account of lockdown. It also wanted the government to take steps to maintain social distance in front of Indira canteens where food is being distributed to the poor and the destitute and heavy rush is noticed. "The gram panchayats should take steps to provide food to poor people and coolies. People holding ration cards should get food grains without fail. Food should also be provided to coolies and migrant labour who do not hold ration cards. Steps should be taken against black marketing of food grains. Food should be provided to street dogs and other animals too. The government may seek help from voluntary organizations in implementing these orders," the high court said.

When the advocates brought to the notice of the court that no steps have been taken to ensure the safety of civic workers on duty, the court wanted the government to take steps to protect them and to provide them transportation. It also said that the government has to provide safety gear to doctors and also to furnish details of coronavirus testing laboratories in the state. After ordering the concerned to provide steps taken to follow these orders, it posted the matter for further hearing to April 3.