Punjab and Haryana High Court to quash all COVID-19 violation cases

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the cancellation of all cases registered in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh related to violations of COVID-19 restrictions.

These cases were primarily filed under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and more than 10,000 such cases had been registered in the three regions.

Punjab had recorded 5,792 violations, Haryana 4,494, and Chandigarh 114. Many of these cases were under judicial consideration, and the High Court had previously stayed the ongoing trials in February.

The Punjab government reported that approximately 18,000 cases were filed during the pandemic, with 5,792 cases still pending and about 12,000 already resolved. The Haryana government disclosed that around 9,000 cases were filed, with 4,494 still pending. Chandigarh administration noted 1,142 total cases, with 114 pending.

The High Court acknowledged that, during the pandemic, strict rules were necessary to protect public health. However, it also recognized that emergencies, such as the need for food or medicine, may have compelled some individuals to violate the restrictions.

Following these considerations, the court decided to quash the remaining cases.