#Coronavirus: Man files petition seeking liquor home-delivery, court fines him
The Kerala High Court on Friday slapped a man with a handsome fine for a writ petition he filed seeking home delivery of liquor in the state. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the petitioner had contended that people risk contracting the virus while purchasing liquor from stores. The court, however, slammed the petitioner for his "selfishness" and imposed a Rs. 50,000 fine.
Petitioner sought home delivery of liquor through online portals
According to LiveLaw, the petitioner, identified as Jyothish, filed a writ petition seeking a direction to the beverages corporation to make available the delivery of potable liquor through online platforms. Jyothish had argued that liquor stores are crowded during business hours, which makes it unsafe for him to buy alcohol given the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Petitioner ordered to pay Rs. 50,000 to distress relief fund
Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar of the Kerala HC dismissed Jyothish's plea. The court ordered the petitioner to pay Rs. 50,000 to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund within two weeks. The court observed that the petitioner's actions were "insensitive" considering that it has assembled to ensure the fundamental rights of citizens even during an outbreak, at great risk to judges, lawyers, clerks, and staff.
Petitioner's actions reckless, insensitive and insolent: Justice Nambiar
Justice Nambiar said, "One cannot help but lament at the selfishness of the petitioner in the instant case, and others like him in Society, whose obsession with perceived 'rights' blinds them to the obligatory 'duty' that they owe to their fellow citizens." The judge added, "For the said reckless, insensitive and insolent action, the petitioner cannot be let away lightly. "
'Petition ridicules functioning of this noble institution'
The judge said, "The petitioner's conduct in filing this frivolous petition at a time like this, while making a mockery of the salutary concept of access to justice, which this institution strives to guarantee, also ridicules the functioning of this noble institution."
Coronavirus infects over 200 across India; 26 cases in Kerala
Kerala was notably the first state to report a positive case of COVID-19, back in January. Since then, the state has reported 26 positive cases, including two foreigners. Out of these, three patients have recovered and have been discharged. Across India, 223 cases have been reported, including 22 who have recovered. Five coronavirus-related deaths—including one Italian tourist in Jaipur—have also been reported across India.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to at least 150 countries, killing over 10,000 and sickening 2.5 lakh.
