May 25, at 2130 hours
Preparing for the worst, in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government had decided to impose curfew in the entire state from 24 March, 2020. Accordingly, the concerned District Magistrates were issued orders under Section 144 of Cr.PC in their respective districts to impose curfew.
An official spokesman said here that the District Magistrates cannot impose curfew in their respective districts for more than two months. However, since the two months time has been completed on 24 May and the Corona pandemic is still not over therefore it was felt that situation could arise where curfew might have to be extended further.
He said that the state Cabinet in its meeting held on 23 May, 2020 had decided to authorise the District Magistrates to extend curfew under Section 144 for more than two months up to 30 June, 2020, if situation so requires. The Spokesman however clarified that at present the curfew is enforced till 31 May, 2020 ONLY and thereafter the District Magistrates will take further action in this matter.
