G.O. Ms. No. 343, COVID-19 Lockdown Amendment, 2021
The Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department issued G.O. Ms. No. 343 on 10 April 2021, amending G.O. Ms. No. 339 dated 31 March 2021 and G.O. Ms. No. 342 dated 8 April 2021. It closed beaches in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur on specified days, allowed a limited additional cinema show for new films, and extended public worship hours subject to restrictions.
What the notification changes
G.O. Ms. No. 343 of the Government of Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department modifies the COVID-19 restrictions contained in G.O. Ms. No. 339 dated 31 March 2021 and G.O. Ms. No. 342 dated 8 April 2021. Those earlier orders formed part of the State-wide lockdown extended until 24:00 hours on 30 April 2021 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The amendment was issued after the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration proposed changes reflecting a government press release.
Who is affected
G.O. Ms. No. 343 directly affects members of the public visiting beaches in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur, cinema and multiplex operators and audiences, and religious places and their visitors. It also sets separate conditions for employees conducting essential rituals at religious places.
The notification does not address land ownership, property transfers, planning permission or development rights.
Key provisions
G.O. Ms. No. 343 makes the following changes:
- All beaches in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts must remain closed to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and other government holidays from 11 April 2021.
- Cinemas, theatres and multiplexes may operate with 50 per cent seating capacity while following the Standard Operating Procedure already issued.
- For new films released during the relevant period, cinemas, theatres and multiplexes may hold one special or additional show for the first seven days only.
- The special or additional show must also comply with the 50 per cent seating limit until that limit is relaxed.
- Public worship is permitted according to the usual timings of the religious place or up to 10.00 p.m.
- Religious places must strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Government on 31 August 2020.
- Essential rituals may be conducted with participation limited to employees of the respective religious place.
- Religious congregations and Tiruvizhakkal remain prohibited in all religious places and places of worship.
Practical relevance
G.O. Ms. No. 343 is a temporary COVID-19 public access and operating restriction. Its provisions concern beach access, cinema operations and religious worship during the lockdown period identified in the notification, rather than rights over land or buildings.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Were beaches in Chennai open on weekends under this notification?
No. All beaches in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts were closed to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and other government holidays from 11 April 2021.
Could cinemas screen an extra show for a newly released film?
Yes. One special or additional show was permitted for the first seven days of a new film’s release, subject to the 50 per cent seating limit.
How late was public worship permitted?
Public worship was permitted according to the religious place’s usual timings or up to 10.00 p.m., subject to the applicable Standard Operating Procedures.
Does G.O. Ms. No. 343 change any land or property rights?
No land or property rights are addressed. The notification concerns COVID-19 restrictions for beaches, cinemas and religious places.
