‘Rescue beggars to contain Covid spread among them’

The Bombay High Court bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish Kulkarni on Thursday ordered the Maharashtra government to consider implementing the anti-begging laws as this would not only help contain spread of the virus among the beggars but also help in rescuing them.

The bench has also ordered the state to spell out if the provisions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are being implemented for disposing of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits, masks and even hand gloves.

"We have seen in the media reports how these kits are being disposed of just outside the hospital gates. There have been several instances wherein the PPE kits are removed and dumped outside the gate and people continue to pass by the disposed of material," Justice Kulkarni told additional government pleader B V Samant. "This could be dangerous," the judge added.

During the course of the hearing, Samant pointed out that on April 13, the Maharashtra government had issued orders under the #BreakTheChain campaign and had also provided for fines for not wearing masks.

"Then on April 21, a Government Resolution (GR) was issued notifying the hike in fines for marriages, public events etc in breach of Covid rules," Samant said.

At this, the chief justice asked Samant to place on record, on the next date of hearing, as to how is the state implementing the GR. "Also, let us know how much fine is collected till now," CJ Datta ordered.

Justice Kulkarni sought the state to attend those living on pavements and begging on streets to survive. "Though it is out of topic but this is the right time to implement the anti-begging act. You (state) can use this act and ensure that these people don't remain on the streets," Justice Kulkarni said.