Section 144 in Delhi, Maharashtra, Bengaluru; Janata curfew extended in TN, UP

In a move to combat the novel coronavirus, the Maharashtra governments has issued a complete lockdown till March 31 and imposed Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits gathering of over five persons at public places, on Sunday (March 22). Reports said the Delhi government has also clamped Section 144.

As millions across the country are observing curfew by staying indoors as advised by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which began at 7 am on March 22 and end at 9 pm, certain states has extended the curfew.

Assuring that the essential duties will be allowed, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said, “I would like to request everyone to continue Janata curfew till tomorrow morning. Number of cases has increased considerably. I have no option left but to apply Section 144 in Maharashtra. No flights outside of India will be allowed to land in Mumbai.”

The percentage of employees working in govt offices has been brought down to five per cent from 25 per cent. Only the people discharging essential duties will be allowed to use public transport till March 31: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray #Coronavirus https://t.co/ySw3wZnYo9

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020

He also requested the industries to pay at least minimum wages to employees during lockdown period.

Similarly, in Bengaluru, Section 144 was imposed from 9 pm to 12 am (midnight) in commissionerate limits to ensure people do not come out of their home once the curfew ends, said Bhaskar Rao, Commissioner of police, Bangalore city.

Meanwhile, to fight against the spread of the epidemic, states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand have extended the Janata curfew till Monday morning.

For Tamil Nadu it will be applicable till 5 am on Monday, while Jharkhand will observe till 7 am.

In a statement issued here the Tamil Nadu government said, “Keeping in mind the welfare of the public the Janata Curfew time has been extended till 5 a.m. on Monday while the essential services will continue to operate.”

All the roads including the bylanes were empty with people deciding to remain indoors. Public transport, government buses, trains, autorickshaws, call taxis are off the roads.

Health authorities are sanitising the railway/bus stations as these places are empty now. The railway/bus stations, airports, vegetable markets and other places that usually see milling crowds on Sunday were also deserted.

The restaurants, hotels, roadside eateries and other shops were also shut in most of the places in the state.

Similar orders have been issued by the Uttar Pradesh government as it has decided to extend the Janta Curfew till 6 am on Monday.