Imprisonment, fine for those defying quarantine rules

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 6 (EMN): Any inmate defying quarantine facility rules and regulations, including being disobedient, can now end up in prison or paying fine or both, in Nagaland.

The Cabinet on Saturday issued rules and regulations to ensure safety of the people at facility quarantine centres in the state, following a meeting held on the same day.

According to the new rules, those causing obstruction, annoyance, injury to any official, causing danger to human life, health, safety, riot or affray can be imprisoned for six months, or fine or both, as per Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1980.

It also added that ‘malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life’ will invite imprisonment for two years or fine or both, according to Section 270 of IPC.

However, it may be mentioned that the punishments are cognisable and bailable and can be tried by any magistrate.

Meanwhile, immediate transfer to detention (police quarantine facility at Ganeshnagar in Dimapur) awaits for those defying instructions from the medical team and officials.

People under quarantine have been directed to maintain discipline, speak and behave respectfully towards each other, medical team and officials. Report any symptom immediately, it instructed, and not hide or delay reporting at any cost.

It also stated that socialising is strictly prohibited and activities that involve more than one person are not allowed. It prohibited gathering in groups; and directed the inmates to maintain distance even when in queue.

Further, the inmates have been directed to stay in their room/dormitory and not move around ‘out of the space/room assigned to them’.

Sharing of items such as utensils, towels, clothes, books, phone, charges, masks etc., will invite immediate transfer to detention centre.