Section 144 imposed in Goa ahead of Holi
Amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the country, the Goa government imposed section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code ahead of the Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Easter and Eid festivals.
According to an order on Friday from North Goa District Magistrate Ajit Roy, public celebrations, gatherings, and congregations will be banned during upcoming festivals.
“In exercise of the power vested in me under subsection 1 of section 144 of the criminal procedure code, public celebrations and meetings, congregations during these upcoming festivals such as Holi, Shab-e Barat, Easter, and Eid-ul-Fitr, etc. will not be allowed in public places in the state of Goa, “the order said.
Anyone who violates this order will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, he added.
Holi will be celebrated on Monday, while Easter will be celebrated on April 4. Shab-e Barat will be celebrated on Sunday.
The Goa government also previously announced that the Shigmo festival parade in the state stands was canceled this year due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.
Other states and union territories that will take similar steps include Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, among others.
In recent weeks, coronavirus cases have risen across the county. Up to 62,258 new cases were registered in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health reported on Saturday.
According to the state health department, there are currently 1,379 active cases in Goa, including 170 in the last 24 hours. The total death toll in the state is 824.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.