Jail Of Up To Two Years For Obstructing Lockdown, Spreading False Claims And Warnings

In the lockdown guidelines issued by the Home Ministry, those obstructing its enforcement can be jailed for up to two years, reports Hindustan Times.

Further, penalties and jail term of up to two years have also been announced by the Ministry headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for offences like making false claims, warnings or for misappropriation of money or materials et cetera.

The guidelines have come into force and are aimed at ensuring the lockdown is followed across the nation in principle and spirit as the Government of India aims to flatten the curve of the rise in cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Ministry is also working to establish a 24x7 hotline to assist the State Governments during the said lockdown period. Further, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has also held an urgent meeting with all the state Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Chief Secretaries to chalk out a plan to contain the pandemic.