Guidelines for stage safety; one year punishment in case of accident

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police said that case will be filed against those who cause accidents by creating unsafe stages, charging sections that can lead to one-year imprisonment and a fine. Sections for causing danger intentionally and negligently will also be imposed. The organizers of the function will be fully responsible. Additional DGP Manoj Abraham, who is in charge of the police chief, told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that guidelines for stage safety will be released soon.

"Kerala Kaumudi" had reported that there is a safety check by the departments including the PWD and electrical inspector only during the programs of the Chief Minister and the Governor, and there are nearly none for private functions. The police action is following this. Permissions needed for the stage and safety arrangements for the function will be mentioned in the guidelines. It will be passed on to event management companies and organizers of private events.

The guidelines will include safety, security system of the stage, monitoring systems including CCTV and crowd control measures. It has to be ensured that fire extinguishers, earthing, generator and power supply to the stage are safe. There should be solid barricades on the sides of the stage.

PWD, Electrical Inspectorate, Fire Force and Police clearances will be made mandatory for all functions attended by Ministers, People's Representatives and VIPs.

Case if there is no safety

• Case against organizers if there are accidents and people are injured due to the absence of safety
• Case will be filed for accident due to negligence even if an accident is caused by building the stage without guarantee.
• Case will be filed if there is no system to evacuate people in case of an accident

"Ensuring safety during function is an important ellement. They will face legal action if they dont. People will not be allowed to participate without ensuring safety."

- Manoj Abraham, Add.DGP, Law and Order