The Union home ministry has not taken kindly to the decision of the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu to permit 100% occupancy in cinemas. The TN government on January 4 announced that cinemas in the state could operate at full capacity instead of the hitherto 50%.
Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla reminded the TN government today (January 6) that the guidelines for the reopening of cinemas had been extended till January 31. His letter added, “State/UT governments shall not dilute these guidelines… in any manner and shall strictly enforce the same.” The same letter also cites a Supreme Court order that asked states to enforce COVID-appropriate behaviour including wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing. The letter asks the government of TN to “immediately issue necessary order to bring their guidelines in line with the MHA guidelines dated 28th December, 2020 and inform compliance to this ministry”.
It may be mentioned here that the permission for 100% occupancy was granted by the TN government two days after requests from actors like Vijay and Silambarasan to increase the capacity to cent per cent before Pongal.
