CENTRE TO REPLY ON REMOVAL OF AFGHANS ON STIR IN VASANT VIHAR

The Delhi high court on Wednesday sought the response of the Centre and the Delhi government on residents’ plea seeking the removal of Afghan nationals protesting outside the United Nations Human Rights (UNHCR) office in Vasant Vihar, observing that it would not want the gathering to become a super spreader of the Covid-19 infection.

Justice Rekha Palli said the lives of people in the city cannot be “endangered” just because removing protesters will have international consequences. The court was hearing a plea by Vasant Vihar Residents’ Welfare Association seeking the removal of the protesters on the grounds that they were inconveniencing residents.

“We are also dealing with Covid-19. Look at the pictures. What if this could be a superspreader of Covid-19? You should ensure some protocol is there. Why are they not wearing masks? You are fining people daily for not wearing masks in cars,” justice Palli said.

The bench asked the Delhi government what steps have been taken to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction to frame guidelines on the issue of the right to protest so as to ensure a balance between fundamental rights and the maintenance of law and order.

Central government standing counsel Ajay Digpaul told the court that it was not a normal situation and residents should have a more “humanitarian approach”.

Delhi government additional standing counsel Satyakam said there are around 500 protesters at the site and sufficient force has been deployed there and Centre shall be asked to resolve the issue at the earliest.

NEW DELHI: