January 5, 2022
The matter came up for hearing when the WBDF requested the Honb’le court to add it as a party. It was submitted on behalf of WBDF Legal counsels that Gangasagar is a small place where number of people are coming to attend the mela from different parts of the state and country availing public vehicles. So not only in the gathering but also in the train, bus or road COVID can be transmitted. If hearings can be done virtually why not pujas & offerings?
18.97% is the positivity rate in West Bengal. We raised the concerns of the medical fraternity as was also raised and communicated by Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal as a serious concern for the doctors and people. Almost 500 doctors who have tested positive and there are many more. So if huge congregations at the mela is not stopped we cannot stop spread of the virus. Not only Omicron is spreading, the delta variant of the virus is also there.
After hearing the Hon’ble Division bench of the Chief Justice were pleased to add the WBDF as a party to the case and directed the state to take instructions as to whether it can be banned or appropriate measures can be taken to control the crowd. Matter returnable tomorrow at 2 pm.
WBDF Legal Team
