Karnataka withdraws night curfew one day after implementation

The Karnataka Government withdrew the night curfew on Thursday one day after announcing it. This turn of events has come amidst rising concerns of coronavirus cases and a scare of the new strain. While it had announced the new norms following the footsteps of the Maharashtra government, it rolled it back after vehement opposition from the public.

Last night, the government had indicated a change in timings from what was announced first. “The night curfew had been announced to curtail the spread of the new coronavirus strain after getting advice from experts. After getting feedback from the public, the issue was re-examined, and in consultation with cabinet colleagues and senior officials, the decision has been withdrawn,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s office said on Thursday evening.

“The public should undertake self-regulation (quarantine), use masks, social distance, avoid unnecessary travel and follow government guidelines on the control of COVID-19,” the statement added.

The midnight Christmas Mass on 24 will be permitted and the celebration of Christmas and New Year festivities will be as per the guidelines issued earlier. According to the guidelines, any person violating the above-mentioned containment measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under section 188 of the IPC.