Chennai: On a daily basis the police have been filing cases against hundreds of people who step out for non-essential purposes during the lockdown due to coronavirus.
Initially, the police advised and let them off, but with the virus spreading rapidly and the police finding repeat offenders, the department has decided to make rules stringent. Adding to this, a latest directive from the Home Ministry has directed violators to be booked under IPC and Disaster Management Act. Under this, a wilful violator can face a jail term of two years.
An Inspector of police said, “Yes, we are taking action against violators. Thousand of FIRs have been filed. The court will decide on the jail term.”
All the States and Union Territories have been asked to follow the rules and widely circulate the information on penal provisions laid down under the Disaster Management Act and understand the IPC violation guidelines during a lockdown.
The Home Ministry has cited sections 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act 2005 as well as Section 188 of IPC.
Both call for stringent action such as imprisonment or fine against any person violating the containment measures for Covid-19 pandemic.
It may be noted that, Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act provides for maximum one year prison term and two years if it endangers life or fine for anyone who obstructs a government servant.
Section 54 gives one year jail term if anyone gives a false warning.Section 52 and 53 give two years jail term for false claims and misappropriation of funds.
Police said, public must understand that Section 188 of IPC was a serious offence. It provides six months jail term or fine or both, while it can further extend to two years if it endangers human life.
Police also said they were appalled by repeat offenders.”Some persons who we let off with a warning were again found roaming the streets. Tightening the rules is the only way to enforce Section 144.”
Following the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, since 24 March, the nation has been under a lockdown. As of 3 Arpil, the State police have recorded, 55,427 violations ‘under lockdown’ and as remedial steps, 54,817 were arrested and nearly 49,303 FIRs were filed.
The police also seized 40,903 vehicles and Rs 17,02,444 has been collected as fine.
Police Records
* 55,427 violations
* 54,817 arrests
* 49,303 FIRs
* 40,903 vehicles seized
* Rs 17,02,444 collected as fine