In Delhi, a Laywer has moved the Delhi High Court seeking compensation of ₹10 lakh after he was fined ₹500 for not wearing a mask while driving alone in his car.
The Police Officials fined the Petitioner-Advocate Saurabh Sharma who is practicing for 20 years now on Sept 9, while he was on his way to his Office.
As the petitioner submits, one of the Officials initially took his photo while he was still sitting in his car and then asked him to alight.
The petitioner further mentioned:
“On inquiry, the Petitioner was informed that since he was travelling in his car without wearing a mask, he will be fined for a sum of Rs 500 under the offence of not wearing a mask in public place.”
The petitioner narrated that the Ofiicial didn't take into account the fact that he he had not committed any offence since he was travelling alone even though he drew their attention to it. He though eventually paid the fine in the end.
Now, the petitioner has argued in the Court that halting him like this was 'unjust and illegal'
He added that the 'extortion' of fine caused him 'huge mental turmoil and harassment', and thus he has sought not only refund of the ₹500 paid by him as fine but has also compensation of ₹10,00,000 from the Delhi Govt.
In his petition before the Court, he has submitted that as per guidelines there could be no challan for not wearing a mask in a personal, private vehicle while travelling alone as it is not a 'public place'.
“..wearing a mask while sitting alone in the car is not a hazard to anyone’s health and safety but wearing it all the time even when a person is alone is certainly a health hazard for oneself.",
He stressed that there has been no Executive Order directing people to wear a mask while travelling alone and thus, any such fine levied on the General Public by authorities is liable to be quashed.
The Court after hearing the arguements sought relevant document from the Respondent authorities.
The next hearing of the matter would be on November 18th, 2020.
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