Odisha lockdown: Violators can be booked under these IPC sections

Bhubaneswar: As a near total lockdown has been clamped in five districts and eight towns across Odisha against spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the government has ordered to take stricter action against persons for violating the regulations framed to fight the deadly virus infections.

As per the directive, the violators can be booked under various sections of IPC for not complying with the regulatory orders related to curb COVID-19 in Odisha.

A case can be registered against a person under section 188 of IPC on charges of violating order promulgated by the government. However, the offence is cognizable and bailable.

Similarly, the action can be taken against the individuals under sections 269 of IPC for negligently doing something that may spread infection of any disease dangerous to life. In such case, the accused may be imprisoned for six moths or slapped with fine or both. However, the person can get bail for the cognizable crime.

The police can arrest the violator under section 270 of IPC for malignantly doing any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease, which may pose threat to life. The accused may face six-month imprisonment for the cognizable offence, or fine or both.

Moreover, arrest can be made against the persons under section 271 of IPC for knowingly disobeying any quarantine rule. In such case, the accused may be awarded imprisonment for six months, or slapped with fine or both for the crime, which is non-cognizable.