COVID-19, Lockdown Extended in Tamil Nadu till 30 April 2021 with Further Restrictions
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O. Ms. No. 354, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV), dated 26 April 2021, requiring fish markets, fish stalls, chicken stalls and other meat stalls to remain closed on Saturdays. The restriction was imposed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as an additional COVID-19 control measure during the statewide lockdown extended until 24:00 hours on 30 April 2021.
What the notification governed
G.O. Ms. No. 354, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV), dated 26 April 2021, was issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It introduced a Saturday closure requirement for fish markets, fish stalls, chicken stalls and other meat stalls across Tamil Nadu.
The notification formed part of the COVID-19 lockdown arrangements extended until 24:00 hours on 30 April 2021. The Saturday closure was added to the relaxations and restrictions already imposed under earlier government orders.
Why the additional restriction was imposed
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department recorded that complete lockdown was already being enforced on Sundays. According to the notification, large crowds were gathering on Saturdays at fish markets, fish stalls, chicken stalls and other meat stalls, with social distancing rules being ignored.
The Government also referred to the increasing trend of COVID-19 positive cases across Tamil Nadu. It imposed the Saturday closure to control the spread of the disease.
Who was affected
The Saturday closure requirement directly affected:
- Fish markets and fish stalls.
- Chicken stalls.
- Other meat stalls.
- Persons operating or visiting these businesses on Saturdays.
The notification did not introduce any rule concerning land ownership, property registration, planning permission or land use.
Key provisions
- Fish markets, fish stalls, chicken stalls and other meat stalls were required to remain closed on Saturdays.
- The restriction applied in addition to COVID-19 relaxations and restrictions ordered earlier.
- Action could be initiated against anyone violating the closure requirement.
- Violators could face proceedings under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Violators could also face legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions.
Enforcement responsibility
G.O. Ms. No. 354 instructed the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation and District Collectors to enforce the guidelines strictly. They were also directed to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures issued for different activities and the National Directives for COVID-19 Management.
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Common questions
Were meat and fish shops allowed to open on Saturdays under this notification?
No. Fish markets, fish stalls, chicken stalls and other meat stalls were required to remain closed on Saturdays.
Did the Saturday closure apply only in Chennai?
No. The notification imposed the restriction across the State of Tamil Nadu. Enforcement was assigned to the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation and District Collectors.
What action could be taken for violating the closure requirement?
A violator could face proceedings under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, and action under other applicable legal provisions.
Does this notification affect land ownership or property registration?
No land ownership, property registration, planning permission or land use requirement appears in the notification. It concerns the Saturday closure of fish and meat markets and stalls as a COVID-19 control measure.
