As the number of Covid-19 cases in Mumbai continues to rise, Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed in the city from midnight on September 17 to curb the spread of the virus.

However, the order is only an extension of the officers’ previous order of August 31, and no new restrictions have been placed.

This extended the restriction on a large group’s gathering in Mumbai to September 30th.

Soon after the order was imposed, social media was furious when the new order went viral and many viewed it as a new movement restriction in the city.

“The Mumbai Police Order is an extension of the existing order and any Unlock exemptions in Mumbai City through September 30th will continue,” Mumbai Police said, clearing up confusion over the order imposed on Thursday.

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Maharaja’s Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray also went to Twitter and urged Mumbaikars not to be alarmed, as this is just an extension of the existing order.

“The Section 144 CrPC order is just an extension of the previous order issued on August 31st. @MumbaiPolice did not impose any new restrictions. Please share and don’t panic, ”he tweeted.

SECTION 144: What Does It Mean?

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) prohibits the gathering of five or more people in one place.

This restriction has existed in Mumbai since the lockdown began.