Coronavirus Scare: Section 144 Imposed In Pune; Will IT Companies Enforce Work From Home? [Updated]

Update 1: This development was based on a news report by TimesNow and Times Of India. While TimesNow has deleted the tweet and the report, TOI report is still live. As per some insiders, the decision for imposing Section 144 has not been taken as of now. We are awaiting more news.

Earlier..

In a major decision, Section 144 has been imposed in Pune and surrounding areas, effective March 16th, 2020.

Deepak Mhaisekar, Divisional Commissioner of Pune confirmed this development, and have said that whatever restrictions need to be placed under Section 144 (1) and (2), it will be imposed.

The objective here is to stop the spread of virus via social gatherings.

As per ANI (sourced from Times Of India)

Deepak Mhaisekar, Divisional Commissioner of Pune: Under section 144 (1) and (2) whatever restrictions were needed to contain the spread of coronavirus, have been imposed. If needed, further restrictions will be added and action will be taken accordingly. 

What Does Section 144 Mean?

Section 144, as per Indian Penal Code, is about unlawful assembly.

As per this law, if 5 or more than 5 persons are gathered at any public place within the city, then such gathering is prohibited, and the police has the power to take action against them.

In fact,  Section 129 of the CrPC allows Executive Magistrates and Police officers to disperse such gathering; and Section 130 allows an Executive Magistrate to obtain aid of armed forces for the same purpose.

At the same time, Section 131 grants any Gazetted Officer of the Armed Force to use his troops to stop such gathering.

During riots, the imposition of Section 144 is quite common, but since this coronavirus has turned into an epidemic, District Administration has imposed this law in Pune, and sorrounding areas.

Section 144 has already been imposed in Mumbai.

With 17 cases, Pune has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the entire country.

Will IT Firms Enforce Work From Home?

Several big IT companies are located in Pune, which includes Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL, TCS, Capgemini and more. 

Several IT employees from Pune have been asking on social media, whether work from home will be enforced or not.

It is developing story.. We will keep you updated, as more details come in.