Section 144 imposed in Mumbai till July 15 amid spike in COVID-19 cases

With the COVID situation in Maharashtra rising at an alarming rate, the Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranaya Ashok on Wednesday imposed Section 144 in the entire city with immediate effect to contain the pandemic.

The order prohibits 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, sources reported. The prohibitory order will be effective till 15th July 2020, unless withdrawn earlier.

“There is a likelihood of spread of the Covid-19 virus through gathering of persons in public or private places and there is grave danger to human life, health or safety. There are sufficient reasons for passing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure that there is no danger to human life,” the order said. All movement of one or more persons in the areas designated as containment zones by the municipal authorities is prohibited, except for essential services and supplies.

Further details are awaited.

Maharashtra’s coronavirus case tally rose to 1,74,761 on Tuesday with addition of 4,878 new patients, while the death toll mounted by 245, including 57 fatalities in Mumbai, to 7,855, state health department said.