Amravati: Hotel Mehfil Inn has been slapped a fine of Rs3.50 lakh for breach of Covid guidelines and preventive measures by hosting a meeting of 700 teachers on Sunday.
A flying squad keeping an eye on violation of election code of conduct found that the hotel hosted a teachers’ meeting on Sunday for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The hotel did not have permission to host meetings, other than marriages and ceremonies as part of precautionary measures against corona.
The notice of fine was issued by District Disaster Management Authority chairman, collector Shailesh Nawal, on receiving a report from the code of conduct flying squad.
No public events, other than weddings, are allowed under the corona orders. However, the team observed that the meeting was held in the presence of 700 people at Hotel Mehfil Inn.
A notice to pay fine of Rs3.5 lakh has been issued to the hotel owner. This action has been taken under sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, Section 144 of the Indian Infectious Diseases Act 1897, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 and other relevant laws and regulations. The municipal commissioner has been authorized to recover the fine.
Orders have been issued to pay the fine within seven days and submit a compliance report.
The hotelier has also been warned that if this happens again, a criminal case will be filed.