Legal Action To Be Taken Against Lockdown Violators: Centre To State

With the number of COVID-19 cases surging to over 400 in India, the Centre had announced a complete lockdown in several cities to battle the spread of the pandemic. On Sunday, India observed a 14-hour 'Janata Curfew', that was extended in cities with infected cases. 

On Monday, the Centre clearly instructed the states to take legal action against those who are found violating the lockdown orders.

“States have been asked to strictly enforce the lockdown in the areas where it has been announced. Legal action will be taken against violators,” a tweet by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) read. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to his official Twitter handle to express concerns over citizens not taking the lockdown seriously. “Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request the state governments to ensure implementation of rules and laws,” PM Modi tweeted in Hindi on Monday morning.

The national capital is also on complete lockdown, barring people working in essential sectors. Delhi’s borders will remain shut till 31 March, midnight during this period, but essential services related to health, food, water, and power supply will continue as per usual, and 25 per cent of the DTC buses will run to transport people associated with essential services. Metros, Uber and Ola have also suspended their services. 

Cases in India have crossed 400, with 7 reported deaths. 

The lockdown has been announced in the wake of the spreading pandemic that has infected over 3,40,000 worldwide.