Centre Orders TN Govt To Revoke ‘100% Theater Occupancy’

Union Home Ministry is serious over Tamil Nadu state government over the state’s order of increasing the seating capacity from existing 50 percent to 100 percent. The Union Home Ministry has found fault with the Tamil Nadu government over violating the MHA’s orders that are in place. It asked the Tamil Nadu government to revoke its orders pertaining to theatres occupancy and said the states can’t violate the centre’s orders.

“Government of Tamil Nadu order of permitting increase the seating capacity of Cinema/theaters/ multiplexes from existing 50% to 100% is dilution of MHA order. States and UT shall not dilute guidelines issued under DM act in any manner,” said Union Ministry of Home Affairs to Tamil Nadu State Government.

Referring to MHA’s order on December 28, 2020, where the Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution issued vide order dated Nov 25th, 2020 under Disaster Management Act, 2005 have been extended till Jan 31, 2020, Union Home Secretary said Tamil Nadu government’s order GO No.001 dated Jan 4, 2020 is dilution of the former. He sent the latest orders to Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary K Shanmugam.

“In view of the above, Government of Tamil Nadu is requested to immediately issue necessary Order to bring their Guidelines in line with the MHA guidelines dated 28th December, 2020 and inform compliance to the Union Home Ministry,” he added.

The Union Home Ministry further asked the TN state government to follow Supreme Court’s directions for strict enforcement of guidelines/ SOPs issued by Union/State Governments strict compliance on Covid-Appropriate behaviour such as wearing of masks, keeping social distance and stern action against those who are violating the guidelines.