New Delhi: Wearing a mask while driving alone in a private vehicle is compulsory in the context of Covid-19, the Delhi High Court said on Wednesday and described the face covering as a ‘suraksha kavach’, or protective shield, against the spread of the infection.

Justice Prathiba M Singh also refused to interfere with the Delhi government's decision to impose challans for not wearing a mask while driving a private car alone, saying a vehicle even if occupied by one person would constitute a public place.

Delhi High Court

"Wearing of a mask therein would be compulsory in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic," the court said. Masks are necessary irrespective of whether a person is vaccinated or not, it added.

Justice Singh’s ruling and observations came while dismissing four petitions by lawyers who challenged the imposition of ‘challans’ for not wearing a mask while driving alone in a private vehicle.

Mask

"The wearing of a mask is like a 'suraksha kavach' for preventing the spread of Covid-19," the court said, noting that a mask protects the person wearing it and also those exposed to him or her.

The wearing of a face mask was "one measure which saved millions of lives" during the pandemic, it pointed out.