Amid surge in coronavirus cases, Section 144 imposed in Mumbai
Even as India has started unlocking and several curbs have been lifted, Mumbai Police has imposed Section 144 of CrPC to restrict movements in containment zones and other parts of the city in a bid to contain coronavirus' transmission. The order, signed by Pranaya Ashok, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), on June 30, says the restrictions will remain in place till July 15.
Mumbai's coronavirus data paints a grim picture
India's financial capital has been burdened by coronavirus cases and healthcare infrastructure is staring at a collapse. The city has 28,924 active COVID-19 cases; 4,556 have passed away. Much like the rest of India, large gatherings have been banned in Mumbai too. Earlier, the organizers of iconic Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Festival said celebrations would be skipped this year in wake of the pandemic.
As cases rise, people's movement banned in containment zones
With coronavirus cases continuing to rise, Mumbai Police deemed it fit to impose Section 144 of CrPC in areas that are controlled by the Police Commissioner of Greater Mumbai. The order said movement of all kinds will be restricted in containment zones. Only those involved in essential services or the supply of essential goods can travel. Relaxations were given for medical emergencies too.
Mumbai Police bans movement from 9 pm to 5 am
Separately, Mumbai Police also banned the movement of one or more persons in the city between 9 pm and 5 am. This rule will be relaxed for medical emergencies, the order said. The directive gave relaxations to certain entities. For example, government and semi-government officials can travel. Those involved in services like procurement of food, dairy products, etc., can move as well.
Exemptions given to essential services and media persons
Besides these, those involved in medical services are exempt too. The relaxations are extended to those working with services like telephone, internet, electricity, petroleum, banking, stock exchange, media, ports, home delivery of food/groceries/essential items, drinking water, etc. The order said social distancing guidelines must be followed religiously. Those found violating the rules will be punished under IPC Section 188, Ashok said.
You can read the entire order here
In fact, some areas in Mumbai are locked down again
Meanwhile, densely-populated places like Thane and Mira Bhayander also re-imposed strict rules to fight the coronavirus crisis. In Thane, a complete lockdown will be imposed from July 2 to July 12. A similar order, for the time period between July 1 and 10, was announced for Mira Bhayander. During the total lockdown, all services, except essential ones, will be stopped.
