The government of Madhya Pradesh has decided to withdraw cases of lockdown violations that were filed against people for moving out in public areas during the COVID-19 period. The step is being taken to provide relief to those who were facing charges of lockdown violation.
Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra informed that the decision was made on the instance of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Cases under Indian Penal Code Section 188, 269, 270, 271, Disaster Management Act 2005, and Epidemic Act 1897 were filed against violators of lockdown protocol. Now, the government will be withdrawing all such cases from the court. The Chief Minister took the decision while reviewing the Home Department.
Many cases of lockdown violation were reported across the state, and numerous people were booked, especially in Bhopal. In March 2020, a Muslim cleric of Islampura and 27 others were booked for defying lockdown by offering prayers at a mosque in Bhopal. In April 2020, 57 cases were registered against lockdown violators, including 64 Tablighi Jamaat attendees. People were also booked for not wearing masks in public places. The authorities of Bhopal Municipal Corporation also took action against lockdown violators.
The first lockdown in the state was imposed from March 20, 2020, until June 2020. During this period, 32,463 cases were filed under IPC section 188, and 669 cases were filed under the Epidemic Act. In the second lockdown from March 13, 2021, until June 19, 2021, 22,336 cases were filed under IPC Section 188, and 1202 cases were filed under the Epidemic Act.
The government’s decision to withdraw cases of lockdown violations is expected to provide a huge relief to those facing charges. It will also create an atmosphere of trust and ensure that people continue to follow social distancing norms and other health-related guidelines.
