Delhi High Court: A Division Bench of Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula, JJ., addressed a Public Interest Litigation with regard to issuance of e-passes by Government of Haryana to people involved in essential services.
Background
The PIL filed was concerned with regard to seeking direction to Union of India to take action against State of Haryana for adopting a restrictive policy and not allowing movement of people involved in essentials services between Delhi and Haryana and not restrict movement of trucks to and fro between Delhi and Haryana.
Government of Haryana vide their letter dated 13th May, 2020 informed that MHA had stated on 1st May, 2020 that all other activities which are not specifically prohibited/permitted with restrictions in various Zones under guidelines will be permitted.
Thus, inter-state movement of medical professionals and their staff was being facilitated, henceforth all the District Magistrates of Haryana shall issue e-passes to allow smooth inter-state movement of said persons.
State of Haryana in response to Union of India clarified that inter-state movement of essential/non-essential goods has already been allowed as per the instructions of Ministry of Home Affairs.
Additional Advocate General of Government of Haryana contended that State of Haryana has now started issuing e-passes even to private health workers within 30 minutes of application being filed.
Further the AAG of Government of Haryana stated the following:
- Free movement of trucks carrying essential as well as non-essential goods between Delhi and Haryana
- Delhi – Haryana border is open and the roads near the border have not been dug up.
- Movement of people who man essential services shall be allowed between Delhi and Haryana on production of e-passes
- E-pass shall be valid for entire duration of lockdown and could be used for multiple visits.
Bench stated that the above undertakings are taken on record and Government of Haryana is held bound by the same.
In view of the above, PIL stands disposed of. [O.P. Gupta v. Union of India, WP (C) 3068 of 2020, decided on 14-05-2020]