Allahabad High Court Imposes Lockdown In 5 UP Cities; Blames State Govt For 'Chaotic Health Problems'

Noting that the recent surge of pandemic COVID-19 has virtually incapacitated all medical infrastructure in the State of U.P. Additionally, the Court also remarked, "If popular government has its own political compulsions in not checking public movements during this pandemic, we cannot remain mere passive spectators." The Court passed the following directions in respect of cities of Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar and Gorakhpur, and the government was directed to strictly enforce them forthwith: All establishments be it government or private, except financial institutions and financial departments, medical and health services, industrial and scientific establishments, essential services including municipal functions, and public transport, shall remain closed till 26th April, 2021; The judiciary will however, function on its own discretion; All shopping complexes and malls shall remain closed till 26 th April, 2021; April, 2021; All grocery shops and other commercial shops excluding medical shops, with more than three workers shall remain closed till 26th April, 2021; All hotels, restaurants and even the small eating points on thelas etc. shall remain closed till 26th April, 2021; All institutions like educational institutions and other institutions relating to other disciplines and activities be it government, semi government or private shall remain closed including for their teachers and instructors and other staff till 26th April, 2021 ; No social functions and gatherings including marriage functions shall be permitted till 26th April, 2021. All religious activities in public of any kind is directed to remain suspended till 26th April, 2021; All religious establishments of any kind are directed to remain closed till 26th April, 2021; All hawkers including fruits and vegetable vendors, milk vendors and bread vendors, shall go off the road by 11 AM every day till 26th April, 2021; All public movements on roads would remain restricted completely, subject to above directions.