Despite having very high Covid numbers, the Kerala government had relaxed lockdown rules for three days (July 18, 19 & 20) for Bakrid celebrations.
The Communist government of Kerala had submitted in the Supreme Court that it relaxed the Covid protocols for three days in the state because traders threatened to open shops and flout Covid norms.
Hearing a petition about relaxing Covid protocols in the state despite having very high Covid numbers, the Supreme Court had asked the Communist government of Kerala for an explanation.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had relaxed the Covid protocols for three days (July 18, 19 & 20) for Bakrid celebrations.
The submission by the Kerala government stated, “The organization of traders started to agitate against the stringent curbs implemented in the LSGIs and declared that they will open shops all over the state flouting the regulations.”
The submission was made late Monday (July 19) night.
The plea filed by PKD Nambiar stated, “It is surprising to note that the State of Kerala has continued to throw up alarming numbers even while most other States have improved their situation…the news reports about Kerala government’s move to relax lockdown norms say the decision followed discussions between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and leaders of the trader's body ‘Kerala Vyapari Vyavasaayi E-kopana Saminit’ (KVVES).
What this goes to show is the decision was not the outcome of any medical advice, but political and communal considerations.”
