MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Wednesday questioned why the amount of fine for not wearing masks is not uniform across Maharashtra.
“Why the amount of fine should not be uniform?’’ asked a bench of Justices S P Deshmukh and Girish Kulkarni’s query while hearing a PIL by an NGO in Pune that urged for “uniformity of fine and accountability and transparency in the use of such collected funds.” It also sought clarification on fines on people travelling in their personal vehicles.
The NGO’s advocate Asim Sarode argued that different amounts of fine are collected by various authorities like PMC, police and SWD.” People are confused. The amounts differ from place to place,” he added. Apart from Pune, the PIL explained the situation in cities like Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Kolhapur and Ahmednagar.
Sarode also informed that the deaf and mute are facing communication problems due to wearing masks and added that the government must provide them with special masks with signs.
The judges said they must not be forgotten and manufacturers must be asked to provide such special masks. “Pandemic is here to stay for some time,’’ said Justice Kulkarni, adding that there is “substance” in the petition. After the government pleader sought time to take instructions on having uniform fines, the judges posted the next hearing after two weeks.
“Why the amount of fine should not be uniform?’’ asked a bench of Justices S P Deshmukh and Girish Kulkarni’s query while hearing a PIL by an NGO in Pune that urged for “uniformity of fine and accountability and transparency in the use of such collected funds.” It also sought clarification on fines on people travelling in their personal vehicles.
The NGO’s advocate Asim Sarode argued that different amounts of fine are collected by various authorities like PMC, police and SWD.” People are confused. The amounts differ from place to place,” he added. Apart from Pune, the PIL explained the situation in cities like Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Kolhapur and Ahmednagar.
Sarode also informed that the deaf and mute are facing communication problems due to wearing masks and added that the government must provide them with special masks with signs.
The judges said they must not be forgotten and manufacturers must be asked to provide such special masks. “Pandemic is here to stay for some time,’’ said Justice Kulkarni, adding that there is “substance” in the petition. After the government pleader sought time to take instructions on having uniform fines, the judges posted the next hearing after two weeks.
