The Gujarat High Court on Friday directed the state government to take strict action against those who violated COVID-19 guidelines and don't wear masks. The bench floated the idea of sending the violators to the COVID-19 care centre to perform social service.

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"Despite the fine of Rs 1,000, people continue to flout the rules and not wear masks. Is the state government mulling over sending such violators to the Covid Care Centres for eight days to perform social service, so that they get serious about the outbreak? The violators should have fear in their minds regarding the pandemic," the bench said.

The Gujarat government has until Tuesday to come up with a decision on the matter.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramnath and Justice J.B. Pardiwala was hearing a PIL filed by  Vishal Avatani, as part of over 50 PILs on which the Gujarat HC has taken suo moto cognisance regarding the Covid pandemic and the lockdown situation in Gujarat.

Acting on a suggestion given by the petitioner, the high court asked the Gujarat government to come up with specific rules for people not wearing masks.

The bench said that despite various guidelines and laws issued by the government, people continue to flout the norms and there is a need to deter them from doing so.

The state government has assured the court that it will consider the suggestion and come out with an appropriate measure.

(With IANS inputs)