Wear masks in public or shell out Rs 5,000 as penalty

TNN | Updated: Apr 13, 2020, 13:41 IST

RAJKOT/VADODARA/SURAT: The four major cities of Gujarat have made wearing masks in public places compulsory in view of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the state.
While Surat had already made it mandatory a week ago, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Vadodara followed suit on Sunday with the municipal corporations issuing orders under the Epidemic Diseases Act.
Beginning Monday, those caught moving around without masks in public places in these three cities will be fined Rs 5,000. If they fail to deposit the fine, the offenders will be booked under IPC sections.
Rajkot municipal commissioner Udit Agrawal said, “People can cover their face with readymade or home-made masks,handkerchief or any other cloth. The first time offender will be fined Rs 1,000 and thereafter Rs 5,000. If anybody refuses to pay the fine, strict action under IPC sections will be initiated."
In Vadodara too, the notification issued by municipal commissioner on Sunday states that citizens will have to cover their faces with a mask, handkerchief or a cloth when venturing into public places from 6am on Monday. Ward officers have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the directive. Those found with their faces open will have to cough up Rs 1,000 as fine for the first time and then Rs 5,000. Most people in the city have already started covering their faces when venturing out.
Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra said, “From 6am on Monday, everybody in Ahmedabad city municipal limits will have to wear mask mandatorily when going out in public places. Those found without masks will be fined Rs 5,000. Those who fail to deposit the fine will be jailed for three years.”
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) had already started penalizing people for not wearing masks in the city a week ago. Till now, over 500 people have been fined for not wearing masks in public places. Moreover, SMC is also penalizing those who don't maintain social distancing at public places.
"We made masks and maintaining social distancing at public places mandatory under the Epidemic Disease Act-1897. Both are important to stall the spread of Covid-19,'' said Banchhanidhi Pani, Municipal Commissioner, Surat.