A runaway couple was imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 by the Punjab and Haryana High Court for not adhering to the rule of wearing masks at their wedding. In the photographs submitted by the couple to the court as proof of marriage, it was found that some of the attendees were not wearing masks.
The matter came to the fore after the couple sought for protection via a plea filed by petitioner Renu Devi before the court as they got married against their parent’s will. During the hearing on the plea, the fine was imposed by the High Court bench of Justice. Hari Pal Verma. The man and the woman belong to Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur respectively.
“Perusal of the photographs attached with the petition, Annexure P-4 shows that at the time of marriage, the petitioners and others were not wearing masks which are otherwise necessary in view of Covid-19. The petitioners are burdened with Rs 10,000 as costs to be deposited with Hoshiarpur DC within a period of 15 days from Tuesday. The amount so deposited will be utilized for the purpose of providing masks for people in Hoshiarpur,” the bench ordered.
The court while disposing of the petition, ordered SSP of Gurdaspur to ensure that no harm is caused to the life and liberty of the newlyweds.
"Accordingly, the petitioners are burdened with Rs 10,000/- as costs to be deposited with the Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur within a period of 15 days from today and the amount so deposited by the petitioner shall be utilized for the purpose of arranging masks for the public at large within the district Hoshiarpur," read the order.
In another similar case filed by petitioner Veena Rani, the couple was fined Rs. 5,000 for not wearing masks during the marriage ceremony. The police department was ordered by the court to ensure the safety of the couple.
The couple was asked by the court to deposit the fine money to the Fazilika administration and as per the direction of the court, it shall be utilized for the purpose of arranging masks for the public at large.
In a post made on Facebook, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, “Masks are compulsory in Punjab now. Health Secretary is issuing a detailed advisory for the people. Just remember to wear a mask when you step out of home for any emergency/essentials. A piece of clean cloth is all you need. Let's all stay safe and fight #Covid_19 together.”
