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The court has directed the West Bengal government to submit the list of all the safety measures taken amid the COVID-19 situation for celebrating Gangasagar Mela. The HC while hearing on whether Gangasagar mela can be allowed or not held that the life of a person is a priority than any religious practices.
While hearing the case of Ajay Kumar De V The State of West Bengal & Ors the court suggested the government to promote E-snan instead of physically taking a dip in Ganga water. E-scan refers to packing of Ganga water and delivering it in front of every house of the people who needs it. The step is to curb the widespread corona virus.
This is the PIL dealing with the various problems posed by COVID-19 that are likely to be seen in the near future. As the masses take a dip in the Ganga river there is a good chance that the spread of the disease could be rampant. While dealing with the present case the division bench headed by CJ Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and justice Arjit Banerhee held that life is more important than any religious practice, faith and beliefs and asked the state to submit the affidavit with all the safety measures taken by authorities to celebrate the Mela.
Accordingly, the Director of the States Health Department Mr. Ajoy Kumar Chakraborty submitted the list as follows:
• Use of face mask and maintaining recommended social distancing.
• Measures to spread social awareness regarding the COVID-19 situation
• E-snan arrangements where the water packets will be delivered to doorsteps of the devotees
• Setting the points to distribute the packed holy Ganga water for the masses called kiosks
• Arrangements of barricades and channels to make sure the pilgrims are moving
• There shall be screening camps set up and medical units set up to test the people
The court is satisfied by the steps taken by the government on the Ganagasagar mela has urged the government to make sure these schemes are implemented and not just remain a dead letter. The matter has been posted to be heard on the 13th of January for further hearing.
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