In Brief

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Kerala, the State government granted relaxations allowing non-essential shops to reopen in preparation for Bakrid celebrations, responding to pressure from trader associations. The Supreme Court held that this violated citizens' right to life and health under Article 21. The Court found that vague assurances of protocol compliance were inadequate and that allowing even one day of relaxation in areas with critical infection rates (above 15% TPR) was unjustifiable. The Court directed the State to follow its earlier orders and prohibited any interference with fundamental rights by pressure groups, whether religious or commercial.

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