Sunday lockdown: HC to wait for CM meet outcome

The plea had sought the withdrawal of the total lockdowns, stating that it has badly affecting farmers because of disruption of vegetables, fruits and flowers supply. It also made it impossible to hold weddings on auspicious days falling on Mondays due to inability to travel or make arrangements.

 When the plea came up, the division bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice R Hemalatha pointed out that there were news reports about the Chief Minister convening a meeting on Saturday to decide on the Sunday lockdown. Hence, it was better to wait for its outcome before hearing the plea, the bench said, posting the plea for further hearing after a week.

 The petitioner, B Ramkumar Adityan from Tiruchendur, submitted that due to total lockdowns on Sundays, farmers were unable to harvest on Saturday and Sunday. Similarly, holding marriages on auspicious days has been affected due to the total closure on Sunday, especially when the Muhurtham falls on Monday, he said. Though there is no bar on holding marriages as per the lockdown guidelines, the complete shutdown made it difficult to make arrangements or the guests to travel. The total lockdown on Sundays was implemented about without any data and research, the plea said, seeking an interim direction to permit hotels, mess and fuel outlets to function.