In view of the ensuing festivals in the month of April 2020, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures to fight novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and not allow any social/religious gathering/procession.

The MHA directed the States and UTs to take all required precautionary/preventive measures for maintenance of law and order, peace and public tranquillity.

“Appropriate vigil on social media should also be maintained against circulation of any objectionable content,” the communication added.

The instruction came in view of Baisakhi (Bohag Bihu in Assam), and Ambedkar Jayanti which will be celebrated on April 13th, and April 14th respectively, while Ramadan will begin April 23rd, 2020.

The communication has further requested that for the attention of the public authorities, social/religious organisation and citizens, the respective provisions of the guidelines should be widely circulated.

For violation of any lockdown measure, action under the relevant penal provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and IPC should be taken by the law enforcing agencies, the MHA directed the States and UTs.

The consolidated guidelines on the lockdown measures to be taken by Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities for containment of COVID-19 epidemic in the country were notified by Ministry of Home Affairs on March 23rd, 2020 and further modified on March 25th, March 27th, April 2nd and April 3rd, 2020.

Clause 9 & 10 of the Consolidated Guidelines state that no religious congregation will be permitted without any exception and all social/cultural/religious functions/gatherings shall be barred.

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