‘From Village Pradhan to Prime Minister, No one is above the law’: PM Modi makes masks mandatory

No individual is above the law, including the leader of a country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today during his 17-minute televised address to the nation, as he warned people against disobeying rules in force to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Prime Minister said “negligence in social and personal behaviour” had been seen since “Unlock1” – the first stage in the government’s “calibrated” re-start of economic activity and normal life – came into effect on June 1 and said this could prove disastrous as India looks to get the outbreak under control.

“We notice (increasing) negligence in people’s social and personal behaviour. We used to meticulously wash hands, used sanitisers, wore masks, maintained social distancing (do gaj doori) and avoided shaking hands. This is not happening as strictly anymore,” Prime Minister Modi said.

“This is a serious matter. We must maintain discipline. People not following the rules need to be stopped and made aware. Nobody is above the rule in India, even if it is the leader of the nation,” PM Modi added, calling for a return to cautious behaviour in public, especially in containment zones around the country.

“We are entering “Unlock2″. We are also entering a season in which cold, cough, fever increases. I appeal to all of you, please take care of yourself. Please don’t be careless,” he appealed.

Several states have already specified punishments for those without face masks in public or at their workplace. In May Rajasthan said those disobeying the law would be fined Rs 200, while Chhattisgarh (Rs 100) and Uttarakhand (Rs 5,000 and six months in jail) came out with similar laws this month.

National capital Delhi – the worst-affected metro city – said in April that those violating the National Directive would be fined between Rs 200 and Rs 1,000 and could spend up to six months in jail.