ARJUN AGGARWAL Vs. UNION OF INDIA AND ANR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenges the order dated 30.05.2020 bearing No.40-3/2020-DM-I, issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. By the impugned order, in exercise of powers under Section 6 (2) (i) of the Disaster Management Act , 2005, the Government of India has extended the lockdown which had initially been issued by an order bearing the same number, dated 25.03.2020 for containment of COVID-19 in the country up to 30.06.2020, in containment zones and to reopen activities in a phased manner outside containment zones.

(2.) In the wake of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, by an order dated 16.03.2020, Government of India ordered closure of educational institutions, shopping malls, theatres, gyms etc. in the entire country. In furtherance of the endeavour to stop the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India by an order dated 25.03.2020 bearing No.40-3/2020-DM-I announced a 21 days lockdown w.e.f. 25.03.2020 till 14.04.2020. Pursuant to this announcement, the entire country came to a standstill. All offices Government and private, all industries, construction activity and all other activities in the country were shutdown/stopped. All means of transport i.e. air, rail and roads were closed. The country came to a grinding halt.

(3.) The 21 days period ended on 14.04.2020. The Government of India announced extension of the lockdown from 14.04.2020 till 30.04.2020. However, some relaxations were given in areas in which the COVID-19 disease had not spread. The said lockdown was to end on 30.04.2020.