COVID-19, Extending Restrictions in the Territorial Jurisdictions of the State of Tamil Nadu till 24:00 hrs of 28.2.2021 with Guidelines and Relaxations under the Disaster Management Act, 2005
The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued G.O. Ms. No.84, Revenue and Disaster Management [DM&IV], dated 31st January 2021, extending the statewide COVID-19 lockdown until 24:00 hrs on 28th February 2021, with further guidelines and relaxations. The order regulated public activities, workplaces, education, gatherings and containment measures, and did not change land ownership, registration or property rights.
What the order governed
G.O. Ms. No.84, Revenue and Disaster Management [DM&IV], dated 31st January 2021, applied throughout Tamil Nadu during the lockdown period ending at 24:00 hrs on 28th February 2021. It continued existing restrictions and relaxations, while allowing additional activities outside containment zones.
The order affected residents, businesses, educational institutions, event organisers, workplaces and public authorities. It contained no provisions changing land ownership, property registration, planning permission or land use.
Activities and institutions allowed
The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department permitted the following activities, subject to the stated conditions:
- Undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma classes in colleges and universities could function from 8th February 2021 under Standard Operating Procedures. Student hostels were also permitted.
- Schools could open for Standards 9 and 11 from 8th February 2021, with hostels permitted for those students.
- Petrol pumps could operate without a time restriction.
- Swimming pools and exhibition halls could function under Standard Operating Procedures.
- Cinemas, theatres and multiplexes could operate at full seating capacity from 1st February 2021 under the Government of India Standard Operating Procedure.
- Indoor religious, social, political, entertainment, sports, cultural, academic and other functions could use up to half of hall capacity, subject to a ceiling of 600 persons.
- Open space functions could use up to half of the capacity, with social distancing.
- Sports events, including cricket, could use up to half of stadium or playground seating capacity.
Prior permission for covered gatherings was required from the Commissioner of Police in Chennai City or the District Collector in the districts.
Continuing restrictions and safety duties
G.O. Ms. No.84 continued to prohibit international passenger air travel, except for purposes permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Containment zones were to be identified at the local level and governed by prescribed containment measures.
Face coverings were compulsory in public places, workplaces and transport. Shops and workplaces had to maintain distancing, provide screening and hygiene facilities, sanitise frequently and stagger working arrangements where required. People above 65 years, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years were advised to take precautions.
Enforcement
District, police and municipal authorities were responsible for enforcing containment measures and Standard Operating Procedures. Violations could lead to proceedings under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Indian Penal Code and other applicable legal provisions.
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Common questions
Did G.O. Ms. No.84 change any land or property rights in Tamil Nadu?
No. The order dealt with COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, permitted activities, public safety and enforcement. It contained no change to land ownership, registration, planning permission or land use.
How long did the statewide lockdown extension apply?
The extension applied until 24:00 hrs on 28th February 2021.
Were public and private functions allowed?
Yes. From 1st February 2021, indoor functions were allowed at up to half of hall capacity, subject to a ceiling of 600 persons. Open space functions were allowed at up to half of the available capacity, with social distancing and prior permission from the relevant authority.
Did the relaxations apply inside containment zones?
No. The listed additional permitted activities applied outside containment zones. District authorities were required to demarcate containment zones and enforce the prescribed containment measures.
