Allow no religious gatherings, processions during lockdown: MHA tells states, UTs

New Delhi: In view of the ensuing festivals, the Centre on Friday asked the states and union territories to strictly adhere to the ongoing 21-day lockdown and not allow any social or religious gathering and procession.

The Union Home Ministry also said that appropriate vigil on social media should be maintained against circulation of any objectionable content.

“In view of the ensuing festivals in the month of April, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed all States and UTs to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures to fight COVID-19 and not allow any social, religious gathering or procession,” read an official communique from the ministry.

“It has been communicated to inform District authorities and field agencies on the specific prohibitions as mentioned in the Consolidated Guidelines on Lockdown Measures and that they should take all required precautionary/preventive measures for maintenance of law and order, peace and public tranquillity,” the added.

It said that for violation of any lockdown measure, action under the relevant penal provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and IPC should be taken by the law enforcing agencies.