Section 144 (3) imposed in Dakshina Kannada as Covid cases surge

MANGALURU: As a precautionary measure against spread of Covid-19,

Dakshina Kannada

deputy commissioner Dr KV Rajendra on Tuesday announced to impose Section 144 (3) of the CrPC in the district.


The order is aimed at preventing public gatherings and congregation during the upcoming festivals like Ugadi, Shab-e-Barat and Good Friday

As per the DC’s order, public meetings will not be allowed in open grounds, parks, markets and religious places and jathras and melas have also been banned with immediate effect.

"We have been taking all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the district. We have noticed increase in the cases in the past 15 days. A government order dated March 25 restricts gatherings at public places and shrines and it also prevents holding jathras and melas (fair) during religious festivals,” the DC said.

In the larger interest of public health, it is necessary that stringent measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Hence, prohibitory orders have been issued under the Section 144 (3) of the CrPC, Section 26 and 34 of the

Disaster Management Act

2005, Rajendra said.

“People should observe all religious rituals symbolically without any celebrations. Action will be taken against those who violate the order as per Sections (from 51 to 60) of the Disaster Management Act, IPC Section 188 and Sections 4, 5 and 10 of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance, 2020,” the DC said adding that the order will be in force till further notice.