Delhi to stop using masks in cars

Delhi disaster management authority ruled today that private cars traveling together without face masks won't be fined from Monday.

"...in relation to the clause 3(h) (c) whereby not wearing of face mask/cover in all public places has been made an offence, the penalty under this provision will not be applicable to persons travelling together in private four wheeler vehicles from February 28," the order read.

Previously, only drivers who were alone in their cars were required to wear a mask. A Delhi high court judge, however, termed the earlier rule "absurd" and questioned why it still stood.

No masks in public places will now carry a fine of only Rs 500 instead of 2,000.

In the wake of falling Covid cases, the city-state government announced that the night curfew would end on Monday. As a result, shops, restaurants, and other establishments can stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Covid curbs on social, sports, entertainment, academic, and religious events, as well as night curfew hours are proposed to be relaxed by the Home Ministry.