Lockdown, curfew and section 144: Know the difference 

The whole country has come to standstill due to Coronovirus. In order to prevent it from spreading among more people, the government has put in place an order to not get out of houses, or go out only in the time of absolute need. We need to follow this order to prevent the virus from spreading. But it’s also important to understand what lockdown or curfew mean. The present lockdown though is not curfew, it surely feels like one, but there’s a difference. A lockdown is when there is restriction on movements of citizens. But there is no restriction on essential services, like basic food items and medical emergencies. However, there is restriction of assembly of more than five people. Now some states are not allowing more than two people at one place. Police can take action if you are found roaming around the streets without any valid reason. No schools, colleges, shops, offices or businesses work during lockdown. Under section 144 of Indian Penal Code (law) roaming on streets or violating the lockdown becomes illegal and you could be put in jail for doing so. A curfew is a situation when there is total lockdown and even essential services are not available. Curfew essentially goes with section 144 which means that in curfew, if you get out of home, you could be jailed. But the present lockdown is a bit lenient. Though section 144 has been put in place in few states, it’s mostly to prevent people from venturing out of their houses. But it’s better not to take risks.