Hefty fines on motorists flouting social distancing rules in J&K

Srinagar : The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has announced a heavy penalty on the motorists who will be found guilty of flouting the social distancing rules in their vehicles. The announcement was made in a note issued by with Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu authorizing all Deputy Commissioners to impose penalties.

According to a report by news agency ANI, the note outlines a slew of measures to ensure that social distancing practices are followed everywhere, including in vehicles - both private as well as public.

Owner of buses will be fined Rs 3000 if it is found overcrowded, similarly car owners will be fined Rs 2000 if they are loaded with occupants and autorickshaws and two-wheelers will be fined Rs 2,000 for similar offenses.

The note also mentions that violator will attract proceedings under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860).

The fines will also be imposed on people for not wearing the masks in public places, for spitting, violating home quarantine instructions and for violating social distancing norms in commercial and public spaces.

Till date Jammu and Kashmir has recorded around 14,000 positive cases of coronavirus with around 250 people losing their lives due to the infection.