SUNITHA KRISHNAN Vs. STATE OF TELANGANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who claims to be a Human Rights Activist, has filed this PIL challenging the action of the respondent - authorities in completely removing lockdown from 08.06.2020 and opening of religious places vide G.O.Ms.No.76 General Administration Department 07.06.2020 as being arbitrary, illegal and in violation of Articles 14, 19, 20 and 300-A of the Constitution of India, and has sought consequential reliefs to direct extension of lockdown by engaging the services of paramilitary forces for better implementation, equip the entire public health system, and provide safety precautions for the entire medical fraternity and the paramedic workers, to open religious places after 15.07.2020 after reviewing the situation by an expert committee, and to provide interim cash transfer of Rs.7,500/- for all White Ration card holders for sustaining themselves for this month.

(2.) The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented health crises in the entire world. Anticipating imminent threat to the health of the people on account of rapid spread of the disease, the Union and the State Governments in India have announced various measures to contain the disease. Taking into consideration the various factors, and in the interest of public health and safety, the Government of Telangana issued G.O.Ms.No.45 dated 22.03.2020 imposing lockdown. The relevant portion of the G.O. is extracted here in below:

(3.) However, the lockdown and restrictions imposed under G.O.Ms.No.45 dated 22.03.2020 were partially relaxed from time to time. For instance, under G. O. Ms. No. 64 General Administration Department, dated 07.05.2020, certain relaxations were made to the lockdown norms. Clauses, 8, 9 and 12 of the said G.O, with partial relaxations are as under: