As Mumbai's first cyclone in about a century approaches, the Mumbai Police has issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC and restricted movement along the promenades and beaches.
A cyclone warning has already been sounded for the capital city, and the cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall close to Alibaug, 94 kms south of Mumbai on the afternoon of June 3.
As per the prohibitory order, Mumbai is expected to be "severely impacted" by the cyclonic storm. This in turn poses grave danger to human life, health and safety, and was thus grounds for passing prohibitory orders under section 144 of criminal Procedure Code.
As per the order that was issued on Thursday by the Police Commissioner's office, the movement of one of more people in public places such as along the coast at beaches, promenades, parks and the like has been prohibited.
"This order shall come into force, in the areas under the control of Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai, with effect from 00.01 hours on 03/06/2020 and ending at 12.00 hours on 04/06/2020 unless withdrawn earlier," the order added.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also addressed the state at 8 pm. At present Maharashtra is dealing with a two pronged crisis, and Thackeray's speech touched upon the cyclone as well as the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
He urged people to cooperate, and also reassured that COVID-19 patients had been shifted to safer areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office took to Twitter to add that the PM had spoken to the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat and the Administrator of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
"He assured all possible support and assistance from the Centre," the tweet added.
