Coronavirus lockdown: Centre asks states to take legal action against violators

The government on Monday gave the order to states to "strictly enforce lockdown" and called for legal action against those who contravened the restriction, a day after 80 districts across the country were brought under a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a tweet saying that many people are still not talking the lockdown seriously. He also ordered states to ensure that the guidelines are followed by people.

"Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the directives seriously. I request the state governments to ensure that the rules and laws are followed," the Prime Minister tweeted in Hindi.

After a government notification took on a tougher tone, warning of legal action against violators.

Across India, 80 districts are on complete lockdown, which means only essential services will be allowed. Railways, inter-state buses and metros have been stopped and public transport has been banned in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Bengal.

All shops, offices, malls and cinemas have been closed down, except for those supplying essentials like medicines, food and milk.

Several states have implemented Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of more than four people. Those breaching the orders can face punishments under Section 188, which could mean jail for upto one month or a fiine of Rs 200, or both.

Few states have already taken action against those who have breached home isolation after arriving from abroad.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, there are 415 Covid-19 cases in India. Seven people have lost their lives .

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