Though the Maharashtra government had started easing lockdown restrictions in the state as part of ‘Mission Begin Again’, the Mumbai police has now imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to combat the spread of coronavirus in the city. The curfew will be imposed till July 15. Maharashtra has recorded about 5537 fresh cases, taking the state’s tally to nearly 1,80,298. The death toll is around 8053. Considering the alarming spike in cases, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai, Pranay Ashok signed the prohibitory orders on June 30, 2020.
Section 144 Imposed In Mumbai
The order issued by the Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai states, “It is apprehended that there is likelihood of the spread of the COVID-19 virus through gatherings of persons in public or private places and that there is grave danger to human life, health or safety due to the same. The undersigned in the capacity of Executive Magistrate is fully satisfied that there are sufficient reasons/grounds for passing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)-1973 to ensure that there is no danger to human life, health or safety”. The order will be in effect from July 1 till July 15, unless withdrawn earlier.
To cater to the increasing number of cases, the authorities are also setting up a Covid care centre in Mumbai’s Mahalakshmi Race Course. This Covid care centre is going to have a capacity of around 1000 beds.
Maharashtra: Section-144 imposed in Mumbai by Commissioner of Police Pranaya Ashok, prohibiting any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort anywhere, including religious places subject to certain conditions, in view of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/0E09om2y3w
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2020
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The Prohibitory Orders Issued By Mumbai Police
The new rules under Section 144 in Mumbai are as follows:
1. No movement can take place in the containment zones except for essential activities, supply of essential goods and medical emergencies.
2. In non-containment zones, people will not be permitted to step out between 9 PM to 5 AM, except for medical emergencies and other essential services like electricity, telephone and internet related services.
3. People can move out to visit shops, markets, salons and for other outdoor physical activities within the neighbouring areas only. The authorities won’t allow movement for non-essential activities between 5 PM to 9 PM. Also, long-distance travel for non-essential activities will not be permitted.
4. People should adhere to the social distancing norms and maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from one another.
5. During the prohibition, e-commerce activities of both essential and non-essential items will be allowed.
6. Any person violating the rules will be punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code ( Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).
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The cops all across India have taken up various measures to spread awareness of COVID-19. Mumbai police, too, has taken to microblogging site Twitter to share the protocols of safety and hygiene to control the virus spread. The police officials are also actively patrolling the city and stopping people who are not wearing masks and violating other social distancing norms. Mumbai Police on June 11 expanded its segway fleet to patrol promenades and sea face in the city. At the time of the crisis, the selfless efforts of these frontliners are really commendable! Meanwhile, here are the sounds of Mumbai we’re missing right now: