COVID-19 in Mumbai: Section 144? Don't panic, say city cops

A Mumbai police order extendingthe imposition of Section 144 to ban public gatherings under the Criminal Procedure Code CrPC till September 30 sparked panic as citizens thought the city has been put under fresh restrictions due to increasing COVID19 cases As the order went viral police issued a clarification stating that there are no fresh restrictionsTHE order signed by DCP Operations Shahji Umap states All movement of one or more persons in the areas designated as containment zones by the municipal authorities is prohibited except for essential activities supply of essential goods and medical emergenciesMovement of one person or people prohibited except for listed emergency and nonemergency services Governmentsemigovernment agencies and their officials on duty are permitted during this order it addedThe order was widely shared on social media platforms and went viral on WhatsApp People thought there would be no stepping out of homes or going to workI panicked after I received the order on WhatsApp I was worried if we would be allowed to go to work I am a lawyer and after reading it carefully realised that it is a mere technicality and that things will remain as per the latest Unlock order People who are unaware of such technicalities started panicking and calling others to get clarity said Advocate Abrar Chaudhary a Kharghar residentA group of people at Marine Drive last month PICBIPIN KOKATEWhat is Section 144 Mumbai mein firse lockdown hoga kya Twitter user TrpFor tweetedFollowing such tweets Mumbai police spokesperson DCP N Ambika issued a statement saying DCP Operations has issued an order under 144 CrPC yesterday which will be applicable in Mumbai city upto September 30 It is issued as per the guidelines received from state government on August 31 regarding Easing of Restrictions and Phase wise Opening of Lockdown Mission Begin Again and no newfresh restrictions have been imposed by Mumbai policeCabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray tweeted NO need to PANIC The order issued under Section 144 CrPC is only an extension of the previous order issued on 31st August No new restrictions have been imposed by MumbaiPolice Please share and dont panicPreventive actionA senior police officer told midday that the enforcement of Section 144 is a preventive action This is a metro city and the financial capital of India Section 144 is implemented considering future contingencies This restricts free mobility of people gathering and prevents flying of drones in the cityThis section can remain in force for two months Due to the pandemic government rules are changing fast The decision to implement Section 144 in the lockdown period is taken every 15 days said the officerSection 144 is always imposed in Mumbai every two months especially during Ganeshotsav Eid and other festivals Amid the lockdown specific orders were given for the festivals keeping COVID in mind In preCOVID times the order used to be an ordinary one without specificsPeople started wondering if they would be allowed to step out for any activity like walking at Juhu beach for instance PICSATEJ SHINDEMovement is allowed but police take action under the order when there is a law and order situation It is a very broad section Considering Mumbai it is imposed every two months based on the threat perception received from the intelligence department It restricts the gathering of more than four to five people but action is taken when there is a law and order problem The section is imposed in advance so that police does not have to get a court order at the time of an actual emergency an IPS officer saidAlso ReadCOVID19 Mumbai down to last 153 ICU beds and 63 ventilatorsCitizens confusedMumbaikar Ramesh Shahi said I have to urgently visit my ailing aunt in Bandra with my family There is no clarity if our vehicle will be impounded or we will face police action if we step out on Friday The extension of Section 144 is vague The police must clarify if we can travel via road My aunt is 78 years old and has been staying aloneAnother Mumbaikar Neha Taneja said My cousins are arriving from Delhi in the morning and I have to receive them at the airport so that they dont have to travel in a cab But I am not sure if we will be detained by cops if we step out Why has this order been implemented when people are already taking precautionsKalyani Sharma who is pregnant said My husband is out of town I called my friend to take me to the doctor but she is scared to leave the house after the order got implemented Im worried if I will be able to see the doctor at allKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news