Court Quashes Over 1,000 COVID-19 Lockdown FIRs in Punjab, Haryana

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has canceled over 1,000 FIRs filed against civilians for breaching COVID-19 lockdown rules, offering relief as these cases burdened court proceedings. A total of 1,112 FIRs registered between 2020 and 2022 under Section 188 IPC are void, signaling the end of pandemic-related legal actions.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday nullified more than 1,000 First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against civilians for violating lockdown mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling voids 1,112 FIRs recorded under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code between March 2020 and March 2022.

This landmark decision cancels 859 FIRs in Punjab, 169 in Haryana, and 84 in Chandigarh, offering substantial relief to those penalized for leaving their homes during the lockdown. The High Court noted that as the pandemic is now considered over, the continuation of these cases hinders the judiciary's efficiency.

On March 24, 2020, the Indian government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the COVID-19 spread. This latest court decision therefore acknowledges the changing circumstances, shifting focus away from pandemic-era infractions to streamline judicial processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)