To strictly enforce the countrywide lock-down of workplaces in the private and public sector and ensure that people stay put in their homes and do not step outside their houses even for essential needs, the government of India has issued a strict order and guidelines. 

AS THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD GRAPPLE WITH THE CORONAVIRUS, also known as Covid19, which has confronted humankind in a manner not known to the inhabitants of this planet like never before, the Ministry of Home Affairs of the government of India has issued an order pursuant to the address to the country by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The MHA of the government of India Order of the 21-day lockdown and the Ministry of Home Affairs Guidelines for enforcement are exhaustive and clearly depict the intent of the government to ensure strict compliance.

The order of the Ministry of Home Affairs states that “the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is satisfied that the country is threatened with the spread of COVlD—19 epidemic. which has already been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, and has considered it necessary to take effective measures to prevent its spread across the country and that there is a need for consistency in the application and implementation of various measures across the country while ensuring maintenance of essential services and supplies, including health infrastructure.”

The exhaustive guidelines issued by the Ministry have been sent to all States and Union Territories giving details of which offices are to be closed and the exceptions thereto. It also mentions the exceptions given to the healthcare industry, banking and insurance offices.

“The above containment measures will remain in force, in all parts of the country for a period of 21 days with effect from 25.03.2020.”

“Any person violating these containment measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC (as per Appendix),” and prescribes a multitude of penalties for various offences including by those in any of the government departments.

The note reads that “All persons who have arrived into India after 15.02.2020, and all such persons who have been directed by health care personnel to remain under strict home/institutional quarantine for a period as decided by local Health Authorities, failing which they will be liable to legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC.

In a direct message, the guidelines state that “All places of worship shall be closed for public. No religious congregations will be permitted, without any exception.” All gatherings have been called off and all educational institutions closed.

All print and electronic industries have been asked to work from home only.
Though the order says that all essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment through E-commerce, deputy commissioners in the districts of Punjab are urging people to stay home and telling them through Facebook that medicines and home supplies will be delivered at home.

The exceptions include Petrol pumps, LPG, Petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets, power generation, transmission and distribution units and services and Capital and debt market services as notified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, Cold storage and warehousing services and Private security services, fire, law and order and emergency services.

All hospitality services are to remain suspended except those whose facilities are being utilised for quarantine services.

The note also says that “In case of funerals, a congregation of not more than twenty persons will be permitted.”

Beware. Stay Home. Stay blessed. “Any person violating these containment measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC.” https://t.co/FtpqTfUcXp

— Jagmohan Singh (@thewsneditor) March 24, 2020

Taking a very strict tone, the guidelines categorically say that, “Any person violating these containment measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC (as per Appendix),” and prescribes a multitude of penalties for various offences including by those in any of the government departments.