Three Saudi Arabians made an application to the Delhi High Court. They sought permission for special quarantine facilities. Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar granted permission to the Saudi Nationals.
Brief Facts of the Case
Tablighi Jamaat is an Islamic reformist group. On 13th March 2020, thousands of people attended a congregation of this group in Delhi. More than 3,000 people from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, and Malaysia attended this session. Hence, the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Delhi was a result of this gathering. Additionally, the Jamaat has been held responsible for the spread of coronavirus through one of its other gatherings in February in Malaysia.
Under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the Delhi Government had prohibited any gatherings of more than 200 people. This was implemented to curb the pandemic. Furthermore, they directed people to self-isolate themselves if they travelled from any of the COVID-affected countries. But the Jamaat violated both these rules.
Three persons have filed the present application – Mr Al Arfaj Mohammed Fahad, Mr Al Harbi Sand Nassar M, and Mr AL Hindi Salman Mohammed. They are Saudi nationals. As a result of attending the congregation, the police have filed an FIR against them under the Epidemic Diseases Act, Disaster Management Act, and Section 188 of the IPC.
Arguments Made by the Petitioners
The counsel submitted that the applicants are currently staying in a quarantine facility provided by the government. However, they wish to stay at the Hyatt Hotel, R.K. Puram, New Delhi. The counsel informs the Court about a certificate issued by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. This certificate highlights the consensus of the embassy to make these arrangements.
Arguments Made by the Respondent
Mr. Amit Mahajan was appearing on behalf of the Union of India. He submitted that the Union of India would have no objection to the applicants staying at Hyatt Hotel. However, the applicants or the Saudi Embassy must bear all the expenses.
Courts Order
The Court allowed the application. As a result, the applicants received permission to stay at Hyatt Hotel, R.K. Puram, New Delhi.
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