As a new strain of coronavirus has wreaked havoc all around, Govt is trying desperately to contain its spead.
In this endeavor, several states have imposed lockdown for 10-12 hours in the night.
And in Bengaluru, citizens can be arrested for celebrating New Year, if they are out of their homes.
What exactly is happening here?
Bengaluru Citizens Can Be Arrested For Partying In New Year
In order to stop people from going out of their homes, Bengaluru city has imposed Section 144 of CrPC between 6 PM on December 31 to 6AM on January 1st.
As per Bengaluru police’s notification, this prohibitory order for 12 hours will be strictly imposed, and defaulters will be punished.
Kamal Pant, Bengaluru Commissioner of Police said, “In view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the limits of Bengaluru city and the emergence of a new strain of the disease abroad, it is absolutely essential to enforce all preventive and precautionary measures to contain spread of the disease in Bengaluru city… In order to prevent spread of the disease, certain restrictions are required to be imposed during the forthcoming New Year’s celebrations for the safety of citizens,”
What Is Section 144?
Section 144 of the CrPC states that 4 or more than 4 people cannot group together at any place, and in case they do, police can arrest them.
Normally, police place such violators under arrest for 24 hours, and then let them go.
In case the Court is involved, then the violators can be jailed for 6 months as well, under extreme conditions.
Who Are Exempted In Bengaluru?
If anyone is celebrating New Year in side their homes, then there is absolutely no issue.
But gathering of people, and mass-scale celebrations is banned, and violators can be arrested.
Besides, those who have already booked reservations at restaurants and pubs and resorts can celebrate, but while maintaining social distance and wearing masks.
Kamal Kant said, “‘No-man’ zones will be created at MG Road, Church Street, Brigade Road, Koramangala and Indiranagar; only those with advance reservation coupons for pubs, bars, restaurants will be allowed,”
Stay safe, and stay indoors during New Year celebrations!