SAS NAGAR:Keeping a strict vigil over COVID-19 safety protocol violators, the District Police have challaned 10678 persons for not wearing mask. Penalty to the tune of Rs. 49.23 lac has been imposed on them.
Similarly, home quarantine jumpers, violators of social distancing norms and those found spitting at public places have also been fined for not adhering to the guidelines of State Health Department.
Since the imposition of lockdown on March 23, besides for not wearing masks, 3 persons have been found violating the home quarantine instructions and have been fined Rs. 6000 while 43 found spitting at public place have been penalized for Rs. 4300 and 7 found not adhering to Social Distancing norms were fined for Rs.14000.
On Tuesday, 60 persons have been challaned for not wearing masks and fine to the tune of Rs.30, 000 has been collected.
Urging the people to follow guidelines issued by state government to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, SSP Mohali, Kuldeep Singh Chahal said government and philanthropists are distributing masks to poor and needy ; circles/ markings are drawn at shops, banks and offices to guide towards maintaining social distancing. However, if still non- compliance is observed then the drive against violators would be further intensified and they would be strictly dealt with.
Pertinently, State Government has imposed penalties in case of violation of instructions and guidelines regarding prevention & control of COVID – 19 as per the regulations framed under Epidemic Disease Act 1897. For better management and control of COVID - 19, these penalties were enhanced and made more stringent.
The fine for not wearing a mask in public places is Rs.500, for violating the home quarantine instructions it is Rs. 2, 000 and for spitting at public place it is Rs.500. Similarly, for violation of social distancing norms by owners of Shops / Commercial places it is Rs. 2, 000 and for violating the social distancing norms by vehicle owners, Buses are charged Rs.3, 000 , Cars Rs.2, 000 and it is Rs. 500 for Auto - rickshaws / Two - wheelers owners.
All officials not below the post of B.D.P.O, Naib Tehsildar , A.S.I. and any other official authorized by Deputy Commissioner can impose the aforementioned penalties .
Non - payment of fine by the violator attracts proceeding under section 188 of IPC as per the regulations framed under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897