Punjab and Haryana High Court orders dismissal of all Covid violation cases in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh

PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the dismissal of all cases registered in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh related to Covid-19 guideline violations. These cases, filed under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), had been lodged during the pandemic for various violations of government orders. Collectively, over 10,000 cases related to Covid 19 violations were reported across the three regions.

Notably, during the pandemic, Punjab reported 5,792 cases, Haryana recorded 4,494 cases, and Chandigarh registered 114 cases, all of which were pending in various courts. In February, the Punjab and Haryana High Court halted the ongoing trials of these cases, leading to a suspension of legal proceedings in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

In the court hearings, the Punjab Government informed the High Court that approximately 18,000 cases had been registered during the pandemic, with 5,792 cases still pending, while around 12,000 cases had been resolved. The Haryana Government reported nearly 9,000 registered cases, of which 4,494 were pending. The Chandigarh administration noted that a total of 1,142 cases were filed, with 114 remaining unresolved.

The High Court acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic when strict rules were imposed to protect public health. It also considered that certain situations might have compelled individuals to step out of their homes in violation of lockdown orders to secure essentials such as food and medicine.