Kovai registers 184 cases for breaking rules

Following the court orders, the Tamil Nadu government had announced that fireworks can be burst from 6 am to 7 am and also between 7 pm to 8 pm, during Deepavali day.

Police patrolled around the city and rural limits, looking for people firing crackers beyond the fixed hours. Of the total 184 persons, 125 cases were registered in the city limits and 59 in rural areas.

The police booked those who violated the SC order under Sections 291 (Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue), and 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 268 (public nuisance) of the IPC.

A senior police officer said that patrol teams monitored in both, public and residential localities to book the offenders. “The offenders were photographed in camera, which also records time, for evidence. Of the 184 persons, 88 were arrested, but were later let off on station bail,” said a cop.

Police said that the offenders could be fined up to Rs 2,000 or imprisoned for six months; however, the quantum of punishment has to be decided only by the court.