Section 144 clamped in Noida to prevent festive COVID-19 surge

NEW DELHI: In light of the rising Covid cases across the country, Section 144 has been imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Noida with effect from yesterday to April 30.

 

The imposition of Section 144 in Noida comes during the festive season and will affect Holi, Shab-e-Baraat, Good Friday, Ambedkar Jayanti, Navratri, Mahavir Jayanti, Ram Navami, and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

 

"Anti-social elements attempting to disrupt law and order cannot be ruled out on these occasions," said Ashutosh Dwivedi, Additional deputy commissioner of Police.

 

People would have to observe Covid-19 procedures in public areas--social distancing and the public wearing of masks, according to Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which was invoked in Noida.

 

Hence it would also mean that unauthorised mass gatherings would be banned in public places.

 

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It mentioned that except for the differently-abled and vision-impaired people nobody will be allowed to carry sticks, rods, or weapons in public places.

 

Holding protests, processions, or hunger strikes without permission from the competent authority is prohibited, nor one shall encourage anyone else to do so," the order stated.

 

During this period, firearms will not be allowed in any government or private office. Government-provided armed security personnel would keep their gunners out of offices.

 

The police also repeated the complete prohibition on celebratory firing at events such as weddings and the drinking of alcoholic drinks in public areas, and warned people against selling, playing, or showing any audio or visual that could trigger conflict.

 

The order also stated that any violation of the restrictive orders under CrPC section 144 or any of its sub-sections listed will result in the prosecution of offenders under IPC section 188.