In view of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country and abroad, legal actions would be taken against those who are not following the lockdown rules and regulations.
The government directed the states to strictly take legal action against those defying the lockdown advisory.
The orders are applicable only to States and Union Territories where lockdown has been announced. It doesn’t apply to others.
On March 22nd, 2020, the government decided to lockdown 75 districts across the country till March 31st, 2020 to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Only essential services will be allowed in the 75 districts which have reported confirmed cases or casualties related to coronavirus. The districts where the lockdown was announced are from the states – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 23rd, 2020 also warned the people to follow the lockdown rules strictly to contain the spread of coronavirus.
“Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request the state governments to get the rules and laws followed,” Modi tweeted.
This comes after people in groups took to streets during ‘Janata Curfew’ to cheer for the health and sanitation workers at 5 pm on March 22nd, 2020.
The COVID-19 cases across the country touched 396 by 6 pm on March 22nd, 2020, said the Indian Council of Medical Research, the country’s nodal agency for COVID-19 testing.
Three more coronavirus deaths were reported on March 22nd, 2020, including the first casualties from Bihar and Gujarat, taking the toll to seven so far.
As the numbers surged, the Government of India tightened safety measures, shutting down passenger train service, including suburban trains and metro.
Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland announced complete lockdown that halted public transport and all but essential goods and services. Bihar, West Bengal and Gujarat have announced partial lockdowns.
Photo credit: Live Mint
