KATHMANDU: The government today said the law enforcement agency could impose a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding six months or both to anyone found involved in obstructing public service or blockading roads. The same penalty could also apply to those vandalising vehicles and homes, as per the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS.

Under the Act, the guilty will also pay the compensation for any damages or losses incurred to the properties and valuables.

The new provisions which have been incorporated in the Special Security Plan (SSP), 2066 BS, came into force from September, throughout the country, the government sources said.

The ambitious plan was put into place to bolster up peace and security in the country, end the

culture of impunity and protect human rights, amid an outrage of opposition forces.

In a press statement today, the Ministry of

Home Affairs said the new provision is to tackle five key areas including road obstruction and halt to supplies of essential

services, and heinous crimes. Also included in the provision is the maintainance of law and order in the Terai-Madhes and Eastern and Mid Western mountainous districts through a “massive awareness campaign”.

As per the new Act, the CDO could issue an immediate order to the

police force to contain such crimes, using a variety of methods. The Act permits the CDO to order the security personnel

to lathicharge, fire teargas shells, water canon,

blank fire and even live bullets under the knee of those guilty of inciting violence and terror.

Also, the Act also allowed a fine of up to Rs 1,000 to the drunkards who go on a rampage under the influence of liquor and drugs in public places.

The Essential Service Operation Act, 2014 BS also imposes a ban on strikes and obstruction in telephone services, transportation, drinking water supply, import and supply of petroleum products, hospitals, health centres, pharmaceuticals, waste and garbage collection and disposal service, banking sectors, insurance and electricity service. The persons found guilty in obstructing such services would face a six-month jail sentence or a fine of up to Rs 200.

The government has also decided to strongly enforce Arms and Ammunition Act- 2019 BS, Public Security Act- 2046 BS and Public Offence Penalty Act- 2027 BS.

Interestingly, Public Offence Penalty Act shall sentence a person to jail for two years or fined a sum of Rs 10,000 (depending on the nature of the crime) if found using vulgar language in public places with an intention to create terror in society.