The Delhi High Court on Friday took cognisance of the violation of Covid-19 protocols in various markets in the national capital and observed that such breaches will only hasten the third wave which cannot be permitted at all.

The high court asked the Centre and Delhi government to take strict measures, sensitise shopkeepers and hold meetings with markets and vendors associations in this regard.

A vacation bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Asha Menon took note of certain photographs sent to one of the judges of the high court by an AIIMS doctor showing scant regard for Covid-19 protocols by street vendors in markets.

"We have paid a huge price in the second wave. We don't know if there is any household which has not suffered in the second wave, closely or remotely," the bench observed.

Huge crowds were witnessed at the popular shopping markets in the city, breaking Covid protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks, just a little over a month after Delhi faced its worth public health crisis when the second wave of coronavirus peaked. According to reports, Thousands crowded into metro stations and shopping, prompting some doctors to warn it could lead to an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

According to ndtv.com, doctors and disease experts are worried about Delhi's near-complete re-opening and have cautioned that a race towards resuming business as usual would compromise vaccination efforts.