Senior Adv Ashwani Kumar Urges SC To Issue Suo Motu Directions To Centre, States For Banning Political Rallies And Other Events

CASE AT HAND

• Recently, Senior Advocate Dr. Ashwini Kumar has urged the Supreme Court to discharge its constitutional responsibility and issue directions to the Central and State Governments for banning "super-spreading events".
• In his letter to the CJI and the other judges of the apex court, the former law minister states that, “there is absolutely no justification for permitting or condoning super spreading events that pose an unacceptable threat to human life in a negation of Article 21”

FURTHER CONTENTIONS

• In addition to the banning of super- spreading events, he has requested the absolute ban on export of vaccines as there is a need for easy access to vaccines for all citizens of all ages as a protection against the deadly virus which is self-evident.
• Dr. Kumar has made it a point to stress on the fact that the Nation expects the highest Court of the country, as the designated protector of fundamental rights, to exercise its extraordinary jurisdiction in these troubled times and vindicate its role as custodian of the constitutional conscience.
• He further contended in his letter that festivals have also been celebrated where there have been gatherings in huge numbers, once again flouting the Covid rules.
• He stated that, “no purposive and effective action has been taken by the Central and State Governments on a uniform basis across the country to stop such gatherings.”

DIRECTIONS

• He gave the following directions suo-moto in the exercise of its plenary jurisdiction in pursuance of Article 21 of the Constitution:
• Firstly, ban political rallies, protest assemblies, religious and festive congregations of more than 50 people until the situation is under control
• Seconly, ban the export of Covid vaccines;
• Thirdly, permit import of vaccines after ensuring of their efficacy to treat Corona. These are some of the directions he has mentioned in his letter to the Supreme Court.

What do you think about this letter by Senior Advocate Dr. Ashwini Kumar? Let us know in the comments section below!