The Maharashtra Government would dismiss almost 10,000 cases filed in the last two years for violating lockdown orders

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government would withdraw over 10,000 lawsuits filed against students and general residents for violating lockdown orders amid the Covid-19 outbreak over the last two years. "The cases were generally filed under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code," Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil told the Free Press Journal. The Home Department has given preliminary permission and will submit the plan to the state cabinet for approval. All similar cases filed across the state would be withdrawn after the cabinet's approval."

 

Walse-announcement Patil follows a slew of citizen-led and political-led petitions calling for the dismissal of cases. "Citizens and students were charged with violating curfews and other restrictions. All of these cases will be dropped. Many students who wish to pursue their studies overseas may experience difficulties as a result of lawsuits being filed against them. "The department does not want any complications to arise for pupils," Walse-Patil stated.

 

During the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns, particularly in the first and second Covid-19 waves in 2020-2021, lawsuits were filed against students, youth, and others, including some entire families, for allegedly breaking the lockdown rules. The incidents involved moving during the strict curfew hours at night and walking out in groups in violation of prohibitory orders, according to Home Department Authorities (Section 144). In addition, authorities had filed charges against citizens and students who went to public sites, such as beaches, where admission was prohibited during the lockdown.

 

Families were also accused of breaking the rules by travelling in private automobiles, while logistics and service providers were accused of violating the administration's set working hours during the lockdown and subsequently, after the implementation of new limitations.

 

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