G.O.(Ms)No.217, COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control, 2020
The Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-II) Department issued G.O.(Ms)No.217, dated 3 May 2020, to extend the COVID-19 lockdown across Tamil Nadu from 4 May 2020 to 17 May 2020 and prescribe restrictions and permitted activities. It regulated construction, industries, shops, transport and public gatherings during that period, rather than land ownership, title or property registration.
What the government order governed
The Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-II) Department issued G.O.(Ms)No.217, dated 3 May 2020, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It extended the Tamil Nadu lockdown from 00:00 hours on 4 May 2020 until 24:00 hours on 17 May 2020, based on the Government of India notification and recommendations from expert committees.
Agricultural and other activities already permitted could continue. No activity was permitted in containment zones, including activities otherwise allowed elsewhere.
Activities that remained restricted
G.O.(Ms)No.217 continued restrictions affecting the public, businesses and institutions. Key restrictions included:
- Schools, colleges, training, coaching and research institutions remained closed.
- Religious places remained closed to the public, and religious congregations were prohibited.
- Cinema halls, malls, gyms, sports complexes, swimming pools, theatres, bars, auditoriums and similar places remained closed.
- Social, political, sporting, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious gatherings were prohibited.
- Passenger air, rail, public bus, metro rail and interstate public transport remained restricted, with an exception for dedicated staff vehicles used by industries and establishments.
- Taxis, auto rickshaws, lodging houses, hotels and resorts were restricted, subject to the stated exception for workers' hostels.
- Funerals were limited to 20 persons. Marriages remained subject to existing restrictions.
- Gatherings of more than five persons in public places were to be prevented through strict surveillance.
Construction, businesses and workers
G.O.(Ms)No.217 permitted specified construction work outside containment zones. Within Greater Chennai Police limits, construction could use workers already at the site or workers brought from outside on a one-time basis. Government and public sector construction and road works were also allowed.
Across other parts of Tamil Nadu, specified industries, export units, information technology services, printing presses and construction activities could operate with stated workforce limits or District Collector approval. Separate operating hours applied to essential shops, restaurants providing takeaway, and standalone shops selling construction materials, electrical items, mobile phones, computers, household appliances, motors and spectacles.
Self-employed plumbers, electricians, air-conditioner mechanics, carpenters, caregivers and household workers required permission from the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation or the District Collector, depending on location.
Relevance to property owners and buyers
G.O.(Ms)No.217 did not set out land title, ownership or registration rules. Its property-related impact was temporary and operational, particularly for construction sites, construction material shops, workers and access to premises during the stated lockdown period.
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
Did G.O.(Ms)No.217 change land ownership or property registration rules?
No land ownership, title or property registration changes are stated. The document concerns COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and permitted activities.
Could construction work continue during this lockdown period?
Specified construction work was permitted outside containment zones. Conditions included using workers already at the site or bringing workers from outside on a one-time basis.
Were any activities allowed inside containment zones?
No. G.O.(Ms)No.217 states that no activity would be permitted in containment zones.
Could construction material shops open?
Yes, outside containment zones and subject to location-specific hours. Shops selling construction hardware, cement, construction materials, sanitary ware and electrical items were among the permitted categories.
