September 4, 2020: The police drive against people not wearing masks got more teeth as the Gauhati High Court has asked Assam government not to be lenient on the violators of the Covid-19 health protocols.

Hearing on a PIL by Tanmay Jyoti Mahanta, the Court on Thursday directed that anybody violating health department protocols on use of face mask would be punished as per the department's order. The Court directed the superintendents, Deputy Superintendents of Police and Officers-in-Charge of the Police Stations to be proactive on the streets and check whether the heath protocols and the court's order are complied with or not. In case the directions are violated, it asked to impose fine as provided in the government order.

The Court also directed the Deputy Commissioners to involve officers/officials from various departments who would inspect various areas in their respective townships, including Sub-Divisions to find out whether the respective police stations/police officers are complying with the order.

The Court noted with concern that the people in market places and otherwise can be commonly seen without wearing any masks, or wearing masks below nose level which would result in spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). It also said that people get together in groups in market places and in work environments without caring for their own health or the health of the others.

The court specifically said that no resident/citizen has the right to put his own life in jeopardy or put the life of the others at risk. It rued that the orders are being flouted because the punitive action provided thereunder is not being taken against the violators of the Government orders and notifications.

The Court concluded that the direction was being issued considering emergent conditions that have emerged on the streets, at this stage, and the dangers associated with the spread of the Pandemic.