16 March 2020, New Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 to impose a complete ban on social, religious and political gatherings of more than 50 people in the national capital.
Weddings are permitted, for now, said Kejriwal. But he appealed to people to put off the weddings also if they can, Hindustan Times reported.
The ban, effective immediately, will also cover protests including the one against the amended citizenship law that has continued for more than two months at Shaheen Bagh.
The rule will apply for all gatherings of 50 or more.
“If still protestors or other groups continue to gather in large numbers, then appropriate actions under the Epidemic Disease Act will be taken by the area District Magistrates (Deputy Commissioners), SDMs,” he said.
The national capital has only reported seven confirmed coronavirus cases so far including two patients who have recovered and have been discharged. One person, a 68-year-old woman, died last week.
