What is Section 144? The difference between 144 , Lockdown and Curfew.

The whole world is witnessing an exceptional situation which has disturbed all of us to a very great extent. This article is aimed at discussing the meaning of section 144, lockdown and curfew and the infinitesimal difference between these three.

Introduction

As  the new covid -19 spreads , words such as lockdown , section 144 and curfew have become part of our daily vocabulary. But what exactly do they? In this time of planetary pandemic we have come across terms like these which hold a variegated differences in every person’s mind. Let’s scrutinize the differences between them.

• Section 144

                   Section 144 basically is the section 144 of criminal procedure code 1973 which prohibits unlawful assembly and provides the power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance, apprehended danger, danger to public health, safety and tranquillity and affray. It empowers executive magistrate of any state or a territory to issue an order to prohibit people to assemble at one place or organize any event where five or more people’s gathering is to be expected. The order of section 144 does not prohibits essentials services like hospitals, banks, grocery etc. Any citizen defying the order of section 144 shall be punished under section 188 of Indian Penal Code.

The order of section 144 shall be in force till 2 months and can also be extended till 6 months according to the situation. The order can be withdrawn at any time.

• Lockdown

1. 

The state of isolation or restricted access instituted as a security measure is the simple definition of lockdown by Google. Lockdown is just a severe version of section 144. In addition to all the cease in section 144 flights, trains and all public transport movements is restricted. Essential services are provided in a lockdown but it is up to state to decide what comes under essential services example grocery, hospitals, banks etc.

• Penalties
  • Section 269 of Indian penal code provides for the punishment to a person who negligently violates lockdown and have a reason to believe that this might endanger any other person’s health.
  • Section 270 of the Indian penal code provides for more severe punishment for the act punished under section 269.
  • Section 271 of the Indian penal code provides for the punishment for disobedience to quarantine rule with imprisonment of either description for term which may extent to 6 months, or with, or with both.

• Curfew

Curfew is ordered with strict measures to keep people inside for public health , safety and to prohibit riots. It is the most severe measure to deal with the danger to public health and tranquillity.

• Key differences
  • The difference between these three is just the degree severeness example if a state’s condition worsens first section 144 will be imposed and then lockdown and then finally curfew.
  • Section 144 is imposed by Executive magistrate while Lockdown and Curfew is imposed by District magistrate.

• A Dime A Dozen
• Government have the power to ban Internet in all the three cases.
• The ground for imposing all the three cease is same ie. Danger to public health , life, riot, affray and public tranquillity.

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