State bans celebrations and gathering during upcoming festivals in public places
Udupi, March 25, 2021: In the wake of an increase in COVID cases, the Karnataka state government has issued an order banning public celebrations, gatherings and congregations during the upcoming religious festivals in public places.
“The situation of COVID-19 in Karnataka has been reviewed and it has been observed that there has been a persistent rise in COVID-19 cases in the State during the last fortnight. It is anticipated that gatherings, congregations, and public celebrations during upcoming festivals like Ugadi, Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Good Friday, etc. may pose a considerable threat of the spread of the virus and may cause a setback to the appreciable gains made in the suppression of chain of transmission of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka. Considering this, it has been decided that public celebrations and all gatherings/congregations during upcoming festivals should not be allowed in public places,” the order stated.
In exercise of powers conferred under section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the state chief secretary, in his capacity as Chairperson, State Executive Committee, SDMA, has directed the Commissioner, BBMP, Deputy Commissioners, and all authorities concerned to ensure that public gatherings and congregations during the upcoming religious festivals like Ugadi, Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Good Friday, etc., shall not be allowed in public places / public grounds/ public parks/ markets/ religious places, etc. in the State of Karnataka.
“In case any person is found violating the aforesaid instructions, the defaulting person(s) shall be proceeded against as per the provisions of section 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act, 2005, Se ion 188 of IPC and Section 4, 5 and 10 of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020,” it added.
