No permission required for wedding functions, says UP CM, warns against harassment in name of COVID-19 protocols

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday warned the state government officials that harassment in the name of COVID-19 safety protocols will not be tolerated at any cost.

The Chief Minister also directed the officials and the state police to create awareness and encourage people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. The monk-politician also warned that stern action will be taken against erring officials if any complaints were received, according to the official spokesperson of the UP government.

CM Adityanath also clarified that there is no requirement for police or administrative permission for organising wedding functions.

शादी विवाह के लिए पुलिस या प्रशासनिक अनुमति की कोई आवश्यकता नहीं है। अगर कहीं से भी पुलिस के दुर्व्यवहार की शिकायत आई तो अफसरों पर सख्त कार्रवाई की जाएगी और जवाबदेही भी तय होगी: मुख्यमंत्री श्री @myogiadityanath जीhttps://t.co/nKzeHkNtFf

— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) November 26, 2020

Wedding functions can be held by complying with necessary COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, the spokesman said, adding that workers and band group members are exempted from the restrictions on such events.

The Chief Minister has warned of strict action against officials and policemen stopping use of DJs and bands in weddings, he added. On Monday, the Uttar Pradesh government issued fresh guidelines restricting the number of people attending an indoor event (outside containment zones) to 100. 

Similarly, in the case of outdoor programmes, less than 40 per cent of the area of the venue will be allowed to be occupied by people.

In both the scenarios, use of face masks, sanitisers, thermal scanning and maintaining social distancing are mandatory.