News Analysis India

Tag: Section 144

  • No lockdown, Maharashtra clamps Section 144 for 15 days amid Covid surge

    Express News Service
    MUMBAI:  Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced a 15-day long state-wide ‘janta curfew’. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will come into effect on April 14 at 8 pm and will be in force till May 1, he said in an address to the people of Maharashtra. 

    During the period, people will not be allowed to travel without a valid reason. All establishments, public places, activities, services shall remain closed. This, however, will not apply to those offering essential services.“Public transport will not be halted but will be restricted to those working in essential services like doctors, nurses and bankers. Industry is allowed to operate but workers should stay near the plant, he said.Thackeray added the state government will use the 15 days to set up more healthcare facilities to deal with the crisis.

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    The announcement came on a day when the state reported 60,212 positive cases. In his address, Thackeray also flagged the shortage in oxygen, Remdesivir and beds for Covid patients. He said Maharashtra urgently needs 50,000-60,000 Remdesivir doses and 980 tonnes of oxygen. 

    “If cases continue to rise, then we will need around one lakh Remdesivir injections and even more oxygen. I spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he gave permission to bring oxygen from West Bengal and some northern states. However, it is difficult to bring oxygen from faraway places by road as it will consume a lot of time,” Thackeray said, adding that he has requested the Centre to rush life-saving oxygen and medicine using military. 

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    All registered auto drivers, construction labourers, domestic workers and hawkers will be given `1,500 each. “Besides, 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice will be given to the poor for one month, free,” he added. Thackeray also raised the issue of GST compensation. “The state should get all financial help from the Centre during the pandemic,” he said. 

    Seating capacity in public transport systemIn autos, only two passengers will be allowed to travel at a time. For four wheelers, 50% vehicle capacity will be permitted. Full seating occupancy will be allowed on buses. Strict restrictions for enforcement relate to movement of people but not on goods and commodities, the Maharashtra government said in its advisory

    What will be open

    Hospitals, diagnostic centres, clinics, vaccination, medical insurance offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and other medical and healthcare services.
    Groceries, vegetable shops, fruit vendors, dairies, bakeries and all type of food shops
    Public transport, including flights, trains, taxis, buses and auto rickshaws
    Export, import of all commodities
    E-commerce for the supply of essential services
    Petrol pumps, ATMs, all kinds of cargo services
    Offices can work with max 50% capacity
    All manufacturing sectors involved in essential services to work with full capacity
    What will not be open

    All restaurants and bars for in-dining; home delivery allowed but no takeaway or pick-up 
    All establishments, public places, activities and services. Only people from essential services category will have unrestricted movement
    No schools, colleges across the state
    Cinema halls, swimming pools, gyms, etc
    No shooting of movies or serials
    Places of worship to remain closed
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  • Section 144 (1) applicable in Tirra: District Magistrate Shri Jai Prakash Maurya passed the order

    Collector and District Magistrate Shri Jai Prakash Maurya has passed the order using the powers conferred under Section 144 (1) of Criminal Procedure Code 1973 in village Tirra of Dhamtari Tehsil. Under this, no person shall carry or carry any weapon, lathi, ballam, sword, chain and other weapons with him in the public place. In addition, no more than five people will gather in one place. This order has been passed unilaterally under sub-section (2) of section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This order will be effective for the next three months in village Tirra.
    It is worth noting that the sub-divisional magistrate of Dhamtari has submitted a report to the district magistrate. According to which, due to land dispute near Badpara in village Tira, the situation of law and order, the dissolution of the present public peace and the threat to human life and property has been expressed. In view of this, the District Magistrate has passed the above order for general public life and public property in village Tira, to prevent the danger posed to the security of public property.

  • Section 144 imposed in Noida till January 31, no drones, protests allowed

    By ANI
    NOIDA: Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday invoked CrPC section 144 in Gautam Buddh Nagar till January 31 in view of safety concerns related to Republic Day.

    “No use of private drones, No protests without approval from authorities, No traffic jams, No possession of harmful objects, No audio-video with sensitive content, No alcohol drinking at public places are allowed,” Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ashutosh Dwivedi, said in the notice.

    The order has been imposed in Gautam Budhh Nagar from January 22 to January 31. Any person found violating the above order will be booked under IPC Section 188.

    Police said that the restrictions have been imposed as many people are likely to participate in Republic Day celebrations from Gautam Buddh Nagar. Also, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to visit the district on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh foundation day, January 24.

    There are apprehensions of unwanted activities due to which the section has been invoked ‘one-sidedly’ for the safety of the public, police said.