A Mangaluru court has imposed fine of ₹6,000 on chairman of Expert Group of Institutions, Narendra Nayak, on finding him guilty of violating the COVID-19 lockdown order in 2021 and allowing parents of students of the PU College to assemble in front of the gate of Expert PU College in Valachil.

The 3rd Judicial Magistrate First Class, Mangaluru, E.S. Suresh, asked Narendra Nayak to pay fine of ₹5,000 for the offence under Section 5 (3A) of Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act 2020. If he fails to pay the fine, he has to undergo simple imprisonment for seven days. The Magistrate also asked Mr. Nayak to pay fine of ₹1,000 for the offence under Section 269 of Indian Penal Code. If he fails to pay the fine, he shall undergo simple imprisonment of two days, the Magistrate stated in his judgement dated May 22.

As per the chargesheet, on April 27, 2021, parents of the students in the hostel of Expert PU College’s Valachil campus assembled in front the gate when COVID-19 lockdown was in force. Mr. Nayak was accused of not sending the children with their parents, who had come from far away places, and allowing parents to assemble in front of the college. The Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, in his order dated April 26,2021, had placed restriction on operation of schools, colleges and coaching institutes and had asked institutions to run classes online.

In the 67-page order, the Magistrate observed that the witnesses have supported the case of the prosecution. Photos and videos related to the incident have also been produced. The prosecution has succeeded in proving the charges against Mr. Nayak, the Magistrate stated.