Section 144 in Mumbai to check rising Covid cases New regulations will be in effect till July 15, says police

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mumbai police has imposed illegal assembly of people by invoking Section 144 as per the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in a bid to curtail people to people contact and spread of the virus.

The city will also see curfew between 9 pm to 5 am. The order will bar the essential goods and medical related activities, stated the police order.

The order prohibits “presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort”, a senior police official said.

The officials said that the regulations will be in effect till July 15.

The police order prohibits presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort. The order said that movement of one or more persons in areas designated as containment zones by the municipal authorities is prohibited, except for essential activities, supply of essential goods and medical emergencies.

“The movement of people will be barred between 9pm to 5am minus the exceptional emergencies. Those working for the emergency services, government and semi-government agencies are also exempted. The establishments providing food, vegetables, milk supply, medical and grocery stores, hospitals, medicines, pharma and related establishments will also be exempted,” stated the order issued by Mumbai police.

It further added that the violators will be prosecuted as per the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

The Mumbai police had faced backlash for their rule to impound vehicles if anybody was found travelling beyond the radius of 2 km. Over 10,000 two, three and four wheelers were seized in the process, however officials have not officially called off the drive. Citing several traffic jams and strong opposition, the officials have however currently stood down.