The Sarojini Nagar markets’ associations kept shutters down of the shops, including the main section, Babu market and mini market, on Tuesday to protest against an SDM order that directed closure of the export market.

The export market was closed on Sunday for “grossly” violating COVID-19 norms, according to an official order from the sub-divisional magistrate (Vasant Vihar). Ashok Randhawa, president of Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Association, said that they will decide by evening whether to continue the protest on Wednesday.

“We will see till evening if there is any development with respect to opening the export market, else we will continue our protest,” Randhawa told PTI.

About 550 shops in addition to 200 stores of the export market are closed in the Sarojini Nagar market area.

Randhawa had said on Monday that the traders have been given three days to make passes for all the shopkeepers and their employees. “We have time till Thursday to make the passes, otherwise we have been told the market will be completely closed,” he added.

Delhi was under a complete lockdown from April 19 to May 30, following which the national capital saw a phased unlock process, and markets were allowed to reopen from June 7.

The Lajpat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar market, Kamla Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and parts of Sadar Bazar were among those shut in recent weeks by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) for violation of COVID-19 norms.

Two markets in Delhi’s Kamla Nagar closed till Wednesday for violating Covid norms

The Kolhapur Road market and the Inner Circle market, both in the city’s Kamla Nagar area, will remain closed till Wednesday 8 pm for not adhering to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and violating guidelines issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), according to an official order.

The restrictions are not applicable to shops dealing in essential goods and services, clarified the order issued on Monday by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil Lines) Rajiv Ranjan.

During the inspection, it was found that shopkeepers and vendors at the Kolhapur Road market and the Inner Circle market (Bada Gol Chakkar market) of Kamla Nagar were not maintaining social distancing, wearing masks etc, the order said.

The markets were closed with effect from 8 pm on July 19 till 8 pm on July 21 or further orders, whichever is earlier, the order read.

It warned of necessary action under section 51-60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant applicable Act, against any shopkeeper found violating the order or any act which may spread COVID-19.

The order also directed the market welfare associations concerned to give written submission within one day of the order and put up proper system for following Covid appropriate behaviour.

Delhi was under a complete lockdown from April 19 to May 30, following which the national capital saw a phased unlock process.

(Cover: People, not adhering to social distancing norms, shop at Sarojini Nagar market, on June 20, 2021 in New Delhi, India // Credit – Getty Images)