Mumbai police invokes Sec 188 to impose curbs

MUMBAI : The Mumbai Police on Sunday as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, has issued an order restricting private tour operators from organising any tours to any domestic or foreign destinations.

The order will be in place till March 31 and anyone violating the order will be booked and arrested under section 188 of the IPC for causing danger to human life, health or safety, etc. The tours and travel business in the city has been hugely affected by the spread of the coronavirus said owners of travel agencies.

An order released by deputy commissioner of police, operations, and spokesperson of Mumbai Police, Pranaya Ashok, said,

“As a precautionary measure..., Mumbai Police has issued an order prohibiting the conduct of any kind of tour involving a group of people travelling together to a foreign or domestic destination organised by private tour operators. However, should anyone need to travel under exceptional circumstances, they may do so after seeking permission from the office of the commissioner of police, Greater Mumbai.” He added it should not be confused with the order issued under section 144 of the CrPC.

Ramesh Krishnan, CEO and founder of Nirvana India Enterprise that organises pilgrimages across India, said, “We will adhere to the government policy to prevent the spread of coronavirus... In the last one-and-a-half month, about 70% of our business has been affected.”