Thread by @fpjindia

#BombayHighCourt full bench of four senior-most judges headed by Chief Justice Dipankar Datta is hearing a suo motu PIL to decide if protective orders against demolition, eviction and earlier passed interim orders in view of #Covid19 pandemic need to be extended.

Bench opines the protective orders be extended for one more month.

Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni supports the opinion.

Bench points out at photos in the media showing huge crowds at #JuhuChowpatty on last Sunday.

CJ Datta: Unless you (@CMOMaharashtra) control the crowd especially on weekends there won't be any progress. Consider strict restrictions on weekends.

AG: I am told there are strict restrictions on weekends. Will ensure the restrictions are imposed properly.
#BombayHighCourt

CJ Datta: We propose to extend these protective orders till September 31. We will sit again on September 24 to review the situation. Till then, the authorities are at liberty to move regular bench of the HC to seek appropriate relief.

#BombayHighCourt

CJ Datta: We have heard Dr Rahul Pandit, member of the Supreme Court appointed Task Force. He said the #ThirdWave is knocking our doors and unless #Covid appropriate behaviour isn't followed, we won't get rid of this dreaded virus.

#BombayHighCourt

CJ Datta: Mr Pandit submits India won't be able to get rid of this virus at least till April 2022
Considering the uncertainty and the ensuing festive season, a threat to human kind etc, we are of the opinion if the protective interim orders are protected till end of this month.

CJ Datta: Thus, we extend the orders till September 31, 2021. Again, we make it clear, any litigant or authority seeks to take any action in an emergency situation, they can approach before the regular bench dealing with that matter as per the roster.

#Breaking: #BombayHighCourt extends it's protective orders against eviction, demolition or any other action by authorities, or in matters wherein interim reliefs or orders are passed, till September 31, 2021.

CJ Datta to AG Kumbhakoni: Mr AG please control the crowds at various public places. Otherwise all this won't be of any use. We have decided to keep four days Physical hearing and one day virtual. But by October, we want at least 10 days physical hearing, thus control crowd.