Delhi HC upholds AAP govt’s decision to restrict Chhath Puja celebrations at public places

The Delhi High Court has made it clear that it will not interfere with the Delhi Government’s decision to bar permissions for holding Chhath Puja celebrations in public places due to the rising number of coronavirus cases.

Soon after the Delhi government’s decision, a petition was filed in the court saying that this type of decision would affect the religious beliefs of the people. The petitioner had asked that a limitation on the number of people at the Puja site could be imposed.

The high court dismissed a petition challenging the order of the chairman of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) not to allow any gathering in public places for Chhath Puja on November 20.

The Delhi HC bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad said to the petitioner, “You have to be alive first to celebrate rituals of any religion. Are you not aware of the coronavirus situation in Delhi?”

The Delhi High Court Wednesday refused to interfere with Delhi government’s decision to ban Chhath Puja celebrations at public places like ponds and riverbanks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In today’s day and time, such a petition is belied by the ground reality,” the bench said.

Meanwhile Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal officially approved the Delhi government’s decision to reduce the number of people at wedding ceremonies in the national capital from 200 to 50. The decision has been taken by the Delhi government in view of the rising cases in the national capital.