Absurd that face masks are mandatory for those driving alone: Delhi High Court

[01 Feburary 2022] The Delhi High Court called the order passed by the Delhi Government mandating wearing of face mask inside private vehicle as “absurd”, asking further as to why the same was still prevailing in the changed circumstances.

A bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh was apprised by Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra appearing for the Delhi Government that the order needed revisitation.
Since the order was passed by the Delhi Government, the Bench asked Mehra as to why can’t it consider withdrawing the same. To this, Mehra responded that while the Governmental exercise might take a few months, an observation from the Court will be a more expeditious option.
“When we are staying in the house, that is okay. The moment we step out in cars, there they have a problem and someone has the license to take Rs. 2000 from me,” Mehra submitted.
Hearing Mehra, Justice Sanghi orally remarked “It is absurd actually. You’re sitting in your own car and you must wear a mask?”
The Court therefore asked the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to relook the orders passed by it in view of the change in scenario of the COVID-19.