Chennai: The Union Home Ministry has disapproved of Tamil Nadu Government’s choice to permit complete occupancy in cinema halls.
In a letter to State Chief Secretary K Shanmugam, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla drew his focus to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 relaxations wherein it permitted cinemas to function only up to 50% capacity outdoors the containment zones.
“The Government of Tamil Nadu vide a GO on January 4, has permitted to increase the seating capacity of cinema theatres/multiplexes from existing 50% capacity to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP). This amounts to dilution of MHA order dated December 28, 2020 issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005,” Bhalla mentioned.
He pointed out that “State / Union Territory Governments shall not dilute these guidelines” and “shall strictly enforce the same”.
Therefore he urged the Tamil Nadu Government to straight away problem essential order to bring “their guidelines in line with the MHA guidelines” and communicate its compliance to the Home Ministry.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had permitted one hundred% occupancy in theatres just after representations from the film exhibitors as effectively as well-known actor Vijay, who met him. Vijay’s mega-price range ‘Master’ is scheduled for release through the upcoming Pongal festival. His fans had been ecstatic when the State permitted complete occupancy.
However, public well being authorities had warned that the move to open up cinema halls completely was not a smart move in terms of containing COVID-19 spread.
Meanwhile, a best official indicated that the State would reexamine its choice and comply with the MHA suggestions.