As a precautionary measure to check the spread of Covid-19, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr Rajendra K V has promulgated Section 144 (3) of the CrPC.
The order is aimed at preventing large public gatherings during the upcoming religious festivals such as Ugadi, Shab-e-Barat, Good Friday. All the fairs in temples and public places, public meetings, are banned in the district. All religious celebrations should be observed symbolically.
As per the DC’s order, public meetings and celebrations will not be allowed in open grounds, parks, markets and religious places. “We have been taking all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the wake of surge in the number of cases in the district. The Covid-19 cases are on rise in the district since last 15 days. The government in its order on March 25 has restricted the gatherings in public places and places of worship,” said the DC.
In the interest of public health, it is necessary that stringent measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Hence, prohibitory orders have been issued under Section 144 (3) of the CrPC, Section 26 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, the DC said.
“People should observe all religious rituals symbolically. Action will be taken against those who violate the order as per Sections (from 51 to 60) of the Disaster Management Act, IPC Section 188 and Sections 4, 5 and 10 of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance, 2020,” the DC said adding that the order will be in force till further order.
The DC has appealed to the people of the district to wear a mask in public places, maintain social distance and not spit in the open.