State decides to prosecute Violators of Lockdown under Disaster Management Act for upto 1 year Jail Term

The state of Kerala is doing everything to ensure that people are not denied essentials during the nationwide lockdown, a top government official has said.

After a videoconference lasting nearly four hours with district collectors on Thursday, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami instructed them to ensure that from April 2 government staff hand over Rs 1,000 to each rice cardholder at their doorstep, the official told TOI.

Grocery shops and cooperative stores will also door-deliver essentials, he said. “CM has directed the collectors to provide cash assistance at the doorstep. Some said they could deliver PDS goods for the month of April too at people’s homes and they were told to do so. If it is not possible, a token system should be followed with due precaution on social distancing without allowing crowding. If necessary, they should take police help. The PDS relief will be provided from April 2,” the official said.

The government also warned private banks, small financial institutions and self-help groups of legal action if they don’t suspend, until further orders, the daily/weekly/monthly collection of interest and principal towards loan dues.

The state invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act superseding its previous notification under the Epidemic Act, and issued a notification for the on-going 21-day lockdown called by the Centre. As per the DM Act, anyone refusing to comply with any government direction will get a jail term of one year or fine, or both.

9 panels to ensure nonstop supply of essential commodities. If refusal to comply with directions leads to loss of life, violators can get two-year jail term. Sources say the state may still include additional regulations, if any, under Epidemic Act.

A government release said the government provided officials with the names of 54,000 people who arrived from foreign countries and ensure they remained in quarantine for active monitoring.

Since those in contact with Covid-19 patients are under isolation and prohibited from coming out, district collectors were told to ensure supply of essentials with adequate protection. Those who violate orders will be fined and criminal action initiated against them.

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