Delhi Court released 36 foreigners, booked for disobeying government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

36 foreigners accused of violating the COVID-19 government guidelines were acquitted by the Delhi Court on Dec. 15.

36 foreigners accused of violating the COVID-19 government guidelines were acquitted by the Delhi Court on Dec. 15.On Aug. 24, 2020, the Delhi court had filed charge sheets against 36 foreigners from 14 countries for disobeying the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Government. The foreigners had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi' Nizamuddin by neglecting the government guidelines. Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 3 (disobeying regulation) of Epidemic Act, 1897 were the sections charged by the Chief metropolitan magistrate Gurmohina Kaur against the foreigners.

Later on Dec. 15, 2020, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Arun Kumar Garg acquitted the 36 foreigners of all charges. The court mentioned that the evidence, including the attendance register submitted by the prosecution, failed to prove the accused's presence in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation. It added that the prosecution had not presented any photographs and videos as evidence.

The foreigners were released for the offenses under section 14 (1) (b) (violation of visa norms) of Foreigners Act, sections 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 271 (Disobedience to quarantine rule) of IPC.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.