PUBLICISE WHATSAPP DETAILS OF SHOPKEEPERS & 24 HR HELPLINE TO FACILITATE CITIZEN IN NEED : SUGGESTS BOMBAY HC

In order to avoid this inconvenience due to complete shutdown in containment areas   Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court suggests Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to facilitate easier access to citizens during this fourth phase of nationwide lockdown enforced to  curb corona virus .

Division Bench of Justice PB Varale and Justice S Kulkarni at Aurangabad  was hearing a writ petition filed by Muzaffaruddin Khan against the order passed by Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad directing closure of all shops except medical shops for five days. The petitioner expressed his grievance of how lack of co-ordination between authorities before issuing the order is causing difficulties to citizens. The affidavit in reply filed by AMC states that authorities were bound to take such measures due to alarming rise of covid positive cases. To ensure essential commodities corporation came up with system of online delivery and 24hr helpline centre.

Bombay HC praises the positive reply and action taken b y AMC in reply to grievance of the petitioner. Also court suggests AMC to publish Whatsapp numbers of  shop keepers  in  notified/particular area  so that consumer can make their orders in advance and also shopkeepers can prepare all deliveries in advance.

Court also suggests AMC to publish details about 24 hours call centers and helpline numbers periodically through newspapers and corporation to also publish the details of 24 hours control rooms and the phone numbers of appointed nodal officers.

By Ritika Negi of LCD