In a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph (retired) suggested that the Delhi government consider allowing religious worship in the national capital while “respecting COVID-19 protocols” because the intensity of the pandemic has “significantly decreased” in the city.
“It is very encouraging and relieving to learn that the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly decreased in Delhi… many activities, such as restaurants, bars, theatres, and auditoriums, have been allowed to resume operations with 50% of their seating capacity… Weekly markets, as well as spas, are permitted. The maximum number of people who can attend services such as funerals and weddings has been raised to 100. These are positive indicators that society is returning to normalcy “In the letter, Justice Joseph stated.
“However, the order’s restriction that’religious places shall be permitted to open, but no visitors shall be permitted’ remains in effect. As you may recall, prior to the second wave, the restrictions had already been relaxed, and services in places of public worship had resumed, albeit with limited numbers and in accordance with other COVID-19 protocols. Only because of the second wave of the pandemic, which has now perceptibly thinned out significantly, were restrictions reintroduced, and thus relaxations were allowed for many of the above-mentioned activities “According to the retired Supreme Court justice.
“…In fact, allowing people to attend religious worships and services would only help to alleviate their deep stress and instil positivity, hope, inner strength, and confidence, which is desperately needed at this time. I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that, in light of the foregoing facts, prohibiting services in places of public worship will be discriminatory and may amount to a violation of the constitutional rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25 “According to Justice Joseph. “As a result, I respectfully request that you look into the matter as soon as possible and permit worship and services in religious places in Delhi in accordance with the COVID-19 protocols,” he wrote in the letter.
On Thursday, India reported the highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases in two months, amid concerns about the virus spreading from the worst-affected Kerala, the reopening of schools, and the start of the festival season.
