Mumbai: Amid an alarming rise in the number of cases in Maharashtra, Mumbai Police Commissioner Pranaya Ashok on Wednesday imposed Section 144 in the entire city with immediate effect.

The order prohibits any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort anywhere, including religious places subject to certain conditions. The decision has been taken to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Maharashtra: Section-144 imposed in Mumbai by Commissioner of Police Pranaya Ashok, prohibiting any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort anywhere, including religious places subject to certain conditions, in view of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/0E09om2y3w

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2020

“There is a likelihood of spread of the Covid-19 virus through gathering of persons in public or private places and there is grave danger to human life, health or safety. There are sufficient reasons for passing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure that there is no danger to human life,” the order stated.

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