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Decide whether Tejasvi Surya will be prosecuted for not wearing mask: HC to State

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Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has asked the state government whether it has decided to prosecute Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and other political leaders for flouting the COVID-19 norms by either not wearing masks or maintaining social distancing during rallies.

Referring to the payment of the fine imposed on MP Surya, the High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice S Vishwajith Shetty said that payment of the fine amounts to an admission that they have violated the norms. “The failure of the state to prosecute them has very serious consequences. The state must take a call and make a statement on the next date,” the bench said, adding that there are several instances on record where no action has been taken against the “political class” for violation of the regulations under the Epidemic Diseases Act 2020 and regulations 2 of the said Act, Live Law reported.

It can be recalled that the state government had submitted that MP Surya had been fined Rs 250 for not wearing a mask during a political rally, which was paid on November 7.

The development came after the High Court had questioned the Karnataka Government if Tejasvi Surya and other political leaders were fined for violating the established COVID-19 norms during political rallies, based on a petition filed by advocate Ramesh Puthige.

Anyone who violates the regulations/orders and directions issued, according to the Epidemic Diseases Act, can be imprisoned for a minimum of three months which can be extended to five years. A fine which may or may not be less than Rs 50,000 can be levied and can even be raised to Rs 2 lakhs.

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