Maha govt say no to night curfew in Mumbai, reject BMC request

The Maharashtra government has denied Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) request to impose night curfew between 11pm and 6am in the city, after it found many night clubs violating the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, and operating till 4am on weekends. During several raids, BMC found over 2,000 people gathered in small spaces not wearing masks, and not maintaining social distancing.

Acording to BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said “The government is not in favour of imposing a curfew as it creates panic among citizens, and has decided to wait and watch till December 25. If citizens continue to violate the Epidemic Act, are careless about Covid-19 guidelines, and the establishments continue to operate overnight, the government will be forced to impose a curfew.” Chahal said. “BMC fined everyone who was not wearing a masks at this time. FIRs have been lodged against the owners of the night clubs. A decision on whether to cancel their licenses to operate has not been taken.

Presently, restaurants, eateries, bars and pubs in the city are open till 11.30pm, according to BMC’s unlock plans. Section 144 is still imposed in the city. According to the Epidemic Act, more than 50 people are not allowed to gather at a location at a time.