NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, MARCH 23
Many states on Monday announced slew of measures to restrict the spread of novel coronavirus, as the number of infected rises to 415 and has claimed seven lives in the country, as on Monday.
Arunachal Pradesh, along with Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, among others joined the list of states that have imposed a lockdown in the state till March 31.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday announced statewide restrictions from 6 pm on March 24. According to reports, Section 144 will be imposed in the state to ensure there is no large Assembly of people. All the district borders within the states will be closed.
தொற்று நோய்கள் சட்டம், 1897-ல் ஷரத்து 2-ன் படி நாளை மாலை 6 மணி முதல் 31.3.2020 வரை மாவட்ட எல்லைகளை மூட உத்தரவிடப்படுகிறது.
அனைத்து காவல் ஆணையர்களும், மாவட்ட ஆட்சி தலைவர்களும் "குற்றவியல் நடைமுறை சட்டப் பிரிவு 144-ன் கீழ் உரிய உத்தரவுகளை பிறப்பிக்க வேண்டும்.#TNGovt #Coronavirus
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) March 23, 2020
The Centre had announced on Sunday a complete lockdown of 75 districts in 22 states and union territories and suspended all passenger trains, inter-state buses and metro services across the country till March 31.
On Monday, it declared that the states would “strictly enforce lockdown” and asked for legal action against those who violated the restriction, according to NDTV. Those who are found to violate the lockdown orders are reportedly to face six months of jail or a fine of Rs 1,000 under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Punjab first to impose curfew, Puducherry follow suit
Entire world is under threat of #Covid19 & we in Punjab are no different. Difficult times call for difficult decisions. Hence for the good of everyone, curfew has been imposed. We have already taken necessary steps to help elderly & underprivileged. All must adhere & cooperate. pic.twitter.com/XFcscRB0rO
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 23, 2020
The Punjab government on Monday imposed a “full curfew” in the state only a day after it announced state-wide lockdown to restrict the rising numbers of coronavirus-positive cases.
“After reviewing situation with Chief Secretary & DGP, Punjab announced full curfew with no relaxations. DCs have been asked to issue orders accordingly. Any person required to be given relaxation will be so allowed specifically for given period & purpose,” Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh said in a tweet.
Making Punjab the first state to take the stringent measure, the announcement came reportedly after people defied the lockdown imposed in the state.
A statewide lockdown in the state was imposed, exempting only essential services, which was to be effective from 6 am on March 23 till 9 pm on March 31.
Hours after this, Union Territory Puducherry also imposed curfew from 9 pm on Monday till March 31.
In #Puducherry the following shops/establishments providing essential goods and services shall be excluded from the Lockdown restriction and continue to operate. #புதுச்சேரி #Corona #CoronavirusOutbreakindia pic.twitter.com/D3yF4mWz79
— V.Narayanasamy (@VNarayanasami) March 23, 2020
To contain the spread of the virus, the government on Sunday had imposed Section 144 till March 31. According to a report in “THE HINDU” all vehicles including government and private buses and light motor vehicles, except essential services, will not be permitted into the union territory round the clock.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet that many people are not taking the lockdown seriously. He had urged the state governments to ensure that the directives are followed by people.
Delhi Budget 2020-21: Rs 50 Crore Set Aside To Deal With Coronavirus
In an annual budget presented in the Assembly when Delhi is under a lockdown to contain the spread of virus, the Kejriwal-led AAP government sets aside Rs. 50 crore in the 2020-21 budget to deal with coronavirus, according to the news agency PTI.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in his budget speech, also announced that the government will provide Rs. 7,704 for the health sector in the next financial year.
Lok Sabha Adjourned Sine Die Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Nearly two weeks ahead of the schedule, Lok Sabha on Monday adjourned sine die due to the coronavirus outbreak. The decision came after the passage of the Finance Bill, 2020, in the Lower House.
Rajya Sabha is expected to be similarly adjourned after completion of today’s business.
Supreme Court Order Closure Of Lawyers’ Chambers
In the wake of the growing COVID-19 scare, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde ordered on Monday to seal the lawyers’ chambers by Tuesday evening. Only important matters would be taken up via video conferencing.
“There will be no gathering of lawyers on top court premises till further orders,” The Indian Express quoted the apex court as saying.
Delhi High Court, District Courts suspend functioning till April 4
On Monday, the Delhi High Court also suspended its functioning and so did district courts till April 4 in view of the coronavirus threat.
The matters of extreme urgency will have to be mentioned before the registrar or joint registrar telephonically and hearing will take place through video conferencing.
AIIMS To shutdown OPD services till further orders
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will shut down its OPD, including speciality services, and registration forms of all new and follow-up patients from March 24 till further orders.
Madras HC restricts functioning up to April 3
Meanwhile, in a circular issued on Monday, the Madras High Court has restricted the functioning of the Court and allocated the halls for the Judges to hearing only urgent cases.
