Mumbai: No Fine For Not Wearing Mask In Private Vehicles, Says BMC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, on Sunday, said that it will not fine citizens who don't wear a mask inside their private vehicles. However, those travelling from public transports such as rickshaws, taxis, bus, trains, tempos or trucks are still bound to pay a penalty of Rs. 200 if caught without a mask. The new rule has been imposed with immediate effect.

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The decision was taken following several complaints by the citizens who complained against being fined by clean-up marshals for not wearing a mask, while they were inside their car. Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal directed all officers to stop fining such people.

A senior civic official said, “Implementation of new directives has been started from Sunday afternoon. However, officers will continue fining people if found without a mask in public places. Wearing a mask while travelling in public transport is also compulsory."

The BMC imposed a fine of Rs. 1000 on people violating the safety protocols for COVID-19 by not wearing a face mask and spitting in public spaces in April 2020. The violators were also made to perform community services by sweeping the road for an hour or cleaning graffiti if they argued to pay the fine. However, the penalty for violations was brought down to Rs. 200 in September as it was found it be too stringent.

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In December last year, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that wearing a mask in the state was mandatory for the next six months. "Prevention is better than cure. Wearing of mask at public places should be made a habit for another six months at least," he said.

Pic credit: Indiatimes