In Delhi, people not wearing masks are fined Rs.2000. In the city of Gurugram, cops can attend any wedding functions in the area without an invitation to ensure all COVID-19 protocols are followed to the T. Now, the state of Himachal Pradesh has put stricter measures in place to encourage residents to adhere to social distancing norms.
The government has installed CCTV cameras in public places and invoked tough provisions to punish violators, reports Times Now News. Outlook India quoted director general of police Sanjay Kundu saying,
“Under section 111/115 of the Police Act, 2007 which is already in force, any person found not wearing the mask or contravening the directions of the government, shall be liable to be arrested without a warrant. On conviction, such violator shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to eight days or fine up to Rs 5000 or both.”
Any person found not wearing mask shall be liable to arrest without warrant and on conviction shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to eight days or fine which may extend up to Rs 5,000: Sirmaur Superintendent of Police#HimachalPradesh
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2020
Since March 2020, the state has issued 31,317 challans to mask violators, collected Rs. 1.24 crore in fines, taken 2,304 people into custody, and seized 1,934 vehicles for violating norms.
Do you think the new punishment is too harsh?