Coronavirus: Petition in Telangana HC seeks ban on Holi celebrations

Hyderabad: A petition was filed in Telangana High Court seeking a ban on Holi celebrations this year in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the State.

According to the petitioner, Gampa Siddalakshmi, a resident of Manikonda, the celebrations are slated for March 9 and March 10 and such mass gatherings could possibly lead to many catching the infection.

In her petition, she urged the court to ban these celebrations out for concern for public health and save the revellers from getting infected.

Modi to skip Holi

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme. (sic)”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted, “Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, i have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself & your family.”

The HC took up the PIL. While it also asked all the lawyers to tell their clints not to come to court. It has asked police to review permissions given to public gatherings. It said that separate quarantine facilities should be setup in jails. IT asked state to keep a check on slums, schools, etc and asked to come up with a plan by tomorrow.

Telangana high court asks state and its authorities to take all measures to control the spread of Corona. The High Court authorities are asked to give free masks from today in HC premises.