The Mumbai Police has issued an Section 144 in Mumbai that will prohibit any tour involving group of people travelling together to a foreign/domestic destination organised by private tour operators or otherwise using powers under section 144 CrPC. To prevent spread of COVID-19, the order shall remain in force till 31st March, 2020.
What Is Section 144 In Mumbai?
Amidst the coronavirus scare, a lot of precautions are being taken by people and the government to prevent the spread of the virus. Having being declared a pandemic by WHO, it is imperative that we take as much precautions as possible to keep ourselves isolated. In fact, the Maharashtra Government Shut Gyms And Swimming Pools In 5 Districts Due to Coronavirus, schools have been given holidays, public and private sectors are declaring work from home.
As part of these measures, the Mumbai police has called for Section 144 that will prohibit any tour involving group of people travelling together to a foreign/domestic destination organised by private tour operators. What does this mean? It means, that you can still roam freely with your friends and your loved ones and families (though we strongly suggest caution and to be careful), but it is only tour groups that cannot do so.
Mumbai Police has warned that if any tour operator is found flouting the order, action will be taken against him under IPC 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).
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The Police Order said the following:
“With a view to prevent danger to human life, health or safety, we hereby promulgate an order under Section 144 of the CrPC in the areas under the control of Commissioner of Police, prohibiting the conduct of any business, holiday or other type of tours involving groups of people travelling together to a foreign or domestic destination organised by private tour operators.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranay Ashok said, “We have issued this order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This will prohibit the tour operators from conducting any kind of tour involving a group of people. This is a very specific order aimed at preventing danger to human life and safety. It will be in force till March 31. It should not be confused with the regular order issued under section 144 CrPC. If any operator has to take a group of people on a tour, then he may do so after seeking permission from the office of the Commissioner of Police. Anybody found flouting this order shall be punished under IPC section 188.”
“We have distributed masks as well as sanitisers to the police stations for use. We advise people to avoid public gathering, assembling and roaming outside. In case people don’t feel well, they should approach nearby government hospitals. People should not believe in fake news.”