The Bombay High Court criticised former mayor of Aurangabad Nandkumar Ghodele for organising a public birthday celebration even as the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic rages on.
The Bombay High Court on Friday criticised former mayor of Aurangabad Nandkumar Ghodele for organising a public birthday celebration amid a surge in Covid-19 cases. (Photo: File)
The Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court on Friday criticised former mayor of Aurangabad Nandkumar Ghodele for celebrating his birthday publicly on May 4 amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.
“People’s representatives should be setting an example! We are surprised that those who are expected to lead from the front and aspire to be role models are taking pride in celebrating their birthdays publicly,” the bench consisting of Justice RV Ghuge and Justice BU Debadwar said while hearing a petition on Covid management.
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The Aurangabad police has reportedly booked Shiv Sena leader and former mayor Ghodele along with 30 of his supporters for violating Covid norms after photographs and videos of the birthday celebration appeared on social media.
During the previous hearing, the court has been informed about a member of the legislative assembly of Maharashtra conducting a foundation-laying ceremony in his constituency with a large gathering of people.
General public
The court also pulled up the general public for not taking precautions and following Covid protocol while continuing to blame administrative authorities for the spread of the virus.
“People appear to take pride in hanging their masks below the chin. It is unfortunate that people have to be advised and penalised to protect themselves as if it is only the government’s duty to protect citizens and the citizens have no responsibility towards themselves and their family members,” the bench stated.
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The court added that with the public holding this kind of attitude, it is “quite shameful” that they blame the police and administration for the rise in Covid cases.
“We are compelled to pass orders making the use of masks compulsory,” the court said while directing the administration, including police authorities, to strictly implement Covid restrictions and ensure everyone in public is wearing a mask “no matter what position he occupies in society”.
The court will further hear this petition on May 12.
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