CP frames special regulations to enforce social distancing in busy markets in Twin Cities, new regulation to come into effect from May 1 for two months

Bhubaneswar, April 30: The Commissionerate Police today framed special regulations to enforce social distancing in busy market areas of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack.  The law has a penal provision of fine up to Rs 500 for the violation. “Under Section 28 (xii) of the Urban Police Act Commissioner of Police has with the sanction of the State Government laid down a set of regulations to enforce social distancing in busy market areas of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack. Violation can be penalised by a fine up to Rs.500/- by ASIs & above u/s 96 (d) of OUP Act. The regulation comes into effect from 1st May 2020 and will remain in force for 60 days,” said a police officer. The police issued the regulation following an approval by the state home department on Wednesday. “In order to counter the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, the government has been pleased to convey sanction in favour of commissioner of police (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack) to frame and issue regulations under urban police Act 2003. This will prevent congregation of people at market places violating social distancing norms,” the home department’s order said. According to the order, both the shopkeepers and buyers are liable for violating the social distancing norm. “Shop owners must immediately inform the police if buyers refuse to obey the social distancing rule. Shop owners will face severe action and cancellation of their trade licences if they willfully promote violation of the social distance norm. Non-reporting to the same to the police will attract legal action,” the regulation said. The special regulation has made it mandatory for shop owners, their employees and buyers to wear face mask. Shopkeepers will not sell commodities to buyers without masks. “All shops should provide hand wash or sanitiser to buyers before allowing them to touch goods. Nobody is allowed to enter market area by chewing paan, gutka and tobacco. Spitting is strictly prohibited,” the regulation added.