No New Year Gatherings In Open Or Closed Spaces In Mumbai, Sec 144 Imposed Till Jan 7: Police

An order was issued on Wednesday by Deputy Commissioner of Police S Chaitanya under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The order will be in force from Thursday till January 7.

A crowded platform at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station amid concern over rising cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 across the country, Mumbai, Wednesday, December 29, 2021. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: With fresh covid cases on a rapid rise in Mumbai with each passing day, Mumbai Police and administration on Thursday announced the prohibition of New Year celebrations and gatherings in any closed or open space.

Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil told ABP News that section 144 has been imposed in the city so that people cannot gather during new year's eve or celebrations.

"People should not break covid induced rules. Corona cases are increasing in Mumbai and we (all) should pay attention to it. Celebrate the new year with your family. This time around we have not allowed any kind of party and whoever is caught hosting such an event will be punished," Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil said.

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An order was issued on Wednesday by Deputy Commissioner of Police (operations) S Chaitanya under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The order will be in force from Thursday till January 7, 2022, the official said.

Mumbai police order prohibits all New Year celebrations, programmes, functions, and gatherings in any closed or open space, including hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, bars, pubs, orchestras, resorts, clubs, and rooftops. Trains, buses, and private cars may ply as per the current guidelines and norms, the order stated.

Any person contravening the order shall be liable for punishment under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code as well as provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act Pandemic Act and the Disaster Management Act, the order stated.

On Wednesday, Mumbai reported 2,510 COVID-19 cases, the highest daily addition since May 8. As of Thursday, Maharashtra reported 252 Omicron cases.