The discriminatory imposition of Section 144 of CrPC defies the basic logic of curbing the spread of Covid and has led to utter confusion among religious leaders, the faithful and even the government machinery. In a notification issued on Saturday evening, Collectors of both North and South Goa imposed Section 144 in the State to prohibit gatherings for Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Eid-ul-Fitr and Easter. The order cited the rise in the number of Covid cases and barred celebrations in public places, playgrounds, public parks, markets, etc. making violations punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
The reasoning behind restricting only religious congregations and celebrations sounds absurd when the government is going soft on crowding and violations elsewhere. Even as Section 144 was imposed, Goa witnessed a massive flow of tourists from various States, including heavily infested Maharashtra and Karnataka in view of the extended weekend with the Holi holiday on Monday. Tourists ran riot along beaches defying protocols and the laws of the land. There were social functions, weddings and parties that continued unabated at other locations in the State. The government which promised in the Legislative assembly on Friday to crack the whip continued to remain a mute spectator to the frenzy that enveloped Goa.
On the other hand, the ambiguity in the order left religious congregations confused. The Association of All Goa Muslim Jamats cancelled the Shab-e-barat, a Muslim festival of prayers for forgiveness. The Church leaders remained perplexed on the eve of the Holy Week. There were Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil services planned. At least, there should have been clarity and a line had to be drawn between worship and celebrations.
The decision to impose curbs on religious congregations is irrational because a vast section of the society, which is more prone to the virus, is left completely open. It appears that everything to do with tourism, economy and politics are granted exemptions. By consciously discouraging organised and disciplined religious gatherings a wrong message is sent to those seeking spiritual solace in times of crisis.
What about politicians? Legislators have been showing scant respect to protocols, and the recent celebration at the Municipal elections by Panaji MLA Antanasio Babush Monserrate is testimony to the fact that politicians can get concessions as and when they want, just like the tourists.
On Monday Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other senior legislators whose Covid reports have come in virus-negative may have heaved a sigh of relief. But ironically, none raised an alarm when Babush went about openly violating Covid rules, going into a huddle with hordes of supporters and hugging them with gay abandon.
Maharashtra is paying a heavy price for the complacency it showed earlier, and is now contemplating tough measures including the re-imposition of a lockdown. In Goa, the government may well be preparing the ground to make religion the scapegoat should the State come in the grip of the second wave of Covid.
