PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that ongoing restriction under section 144 CrPC does not cover the traditional Shigmo festival.
“Section 144 CrPC is not applicable for pujas like Satyanarayan, or Shigmo festival currently underway in villages,” he told the House during a Zero Hour mention.
Earlier speaking to reporters outside the Assembly complex, CM had said that the restriction is only imposed for gathering at public roads and public places. “It is not imposed at private spaces. People could do their function with restriction,” he said reacting to Holi celebrations across the State.
The government has been cornered by several sections for failing to crackdown on public gatherings including open celebration of events, crowd outside off shore casinos and beaches, etc.
Opposition leader Digambar Kamat has slammed the government questioning if Section 144 CrPC is only to be followed by Goans?
“There is some purpose for imposing Section 144 CrPC. It is due to rise in COVD-19 cases but the way parties and open events are taking place, it does not look like the rule is serving the purpose. Is the CrPC section only for Goans and not for tourists?” he said. Kamat, during a meeting on the sidelines of the assembly session has brought to the notice of Speaker Rajesh Patnekar various viral videos claiming flouting Section 144 CrPC.
