Tamil Nadu Makes COVID-19 Norms Violation Compoundable Offence, Fines Upto Rs 5,000 to be Imposed

Chennai September 4: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday promulgated an ordinance making violations of guidelines on COVID-19 lockdown and preventive measures such as social distancing compoundable offences. Governor Banwarilal Purohit promulgated the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939 (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2020, to carry out amendments to the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939 (Tamil Nadu Act III of 1939) based on a proposal sent by the state government, a Raj Bhavan release said. Bengaluru International Airport Launches Tech-Enabled Passenger Flow Management System to Cut Waiting Time.

When contacted by PTI, state Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said with the offences made compoundable, the implementing authority can levy a spot fine on the violators instead of filing a chargesheet.

The Raj Bhavan release said despite the government's aggressive information, education and communication campaign on the public health experts precautions including mandatory wearing of face mask, maintaining physical distance and other measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, a section of people, institutions and shops do not follow these norms.

Thereby, they put themselves and others at risk of spreading infections. Further, violence against the persons implementing these measures had also been brought to the notice of the government.

"Such acts of violence hinder the measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community and deter the advancement of public health," the release said.

Hence, it was considered necessary to make the violations against lockdown and social distancing measures as compoundable offences and also to prohibit acts of violence against the persons implementing these measures.

The highest fine amount, Rs 5000, would be levied in respect of vehicles or commercial establishments for non-adherence of government guidelines to be followed in containment zone.

A similar amount will have to be paid as fine for violation of standard operating procedures SOPs in salon and spa, gymnasium, commercial establishments or other places as ordered by the appropriate authority from time to time, according to an order of the Health and Family Welfare Department.

Violation of quarantine measures, spitting in public places and violation of social distancing norms by individuals in public places will also attract Rs 500, the government said, adding Rs 200 will be the fine for not wearing a mask.

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