Any Disobedience to Attract Action Under Sections of IPC

Port Blair, April 9: In view of the recent surge in the positive cases of COVID-19 in the Islands and to contain the further spread of the virus in the South Andaman District, the District Magistrate, South Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS in exercise of the powers vested U/s 144 of Cr.P.C. has ordered restrictions in the movement of individuals between 10.00 am to 5.00 am.

As per the order No. 468 dated 9th April 2021, the movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 10.00 am to 5.00 am from the midnight of 10th April 2021.

Exemptions have been granted to Officers/ officials involved in essential and emergency services such as Health and Family Welfare and all related medical establishments. Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and emergency services, District Administration, Pay & Accounts Office, Electricity, Water and Sanitation, Public Transport, Disaster Management and related services on production of valid Identity Card.

Persons engaged for essential activities, including operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on Andaman Trunk Road, loading and unloading of essential cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking on production of valid travel tickets.

All private medical personnel such as Doctors, Nursing Staff, Paramedical etc. and other hospitals services (such as hospitals, diagnostic centres, clinics, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and other medical & health services) on production of valid identity cards. Pregnant women and patients availing medical services.

The Order No. 468 shall come in force in the South Andaman District including the active Containment Zone from the midnight of 10th April 2021 and shall be effective till the midnight of 30th April 2021 or until further order whichever is earlier.

In view of the emergent circumstances, the Order No. 468 has been issued ex-parte and is addressed to the public in general. The Order shall be promulgated in the South Andaman District by announcement through publicity vans and affixing of copies at Notice Boards of the Office of the District Magistrate/ Sub-Divisional Magistrates/ Executive Magistrates as well as prominent public places and publication in the newspapers having circulation in the district.

The Superintendent of Police/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/ Executive Magistrates and all authorities concerned shall ensure strict compliance of the Order and shall adequately inform and sensitize the field functionaries to note that the restrictions fundamentally relate to movement of people, but not to that of essential services.

Any disobedience of the above orders shall invite penal action u/s 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 against the violator (s).