Harsha Bhogle hails ban on spitting in public in Maharashtra, says better late than never

'Voice of Indian Cricket' Harsha Bhogle hailed Maharashtra government's decision to ban spitting in public and welcomed move despite being long overdue. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope made this anuncement in a statement on Saturday. action comes as Maharashtra continue to report a high number of Coronavirus cases daily and is already India's hardest COVID-hit state.

READ | Uttarakhand Minister's Wife Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Harsha Bhogle welcomes ban on spitting in public

READ | 'Unlock 1' Biggest Feature Of Covid Lockdown 5.0: All You Need To Kw In 13 Points 

Penal charges

first-time violators will have to pay Rs 1,000 fine and perform public service for one day while  second-time offenders will have to pay Rs 3,000 fine and perform public service for three days, minister said. If violations continue,  punishment would be Rs 5,000 fine and five days of public service.

"Apart from this, as per various sections of Bombay Police Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC), punishment will range from six months to two years of jail or fine," Tope said in statement.

READ | Pakistan's Javed Miandad Latest To Join Cricketer-turns-'strategic Expert' Bandwagon

COVID cases in Maharashtra

Maharashtra continued its steep increase with 2940 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 99 deaths, on Saturday, May 30. At time of writing this articled, re are 34,881 active cases in state. number of recovered cases in state rose to 28,081 after 1084 patients were discharged in day.

Out of total deaths reported, 40 deaths occurred in last two days and rest are from period 6th May to 27th May 2020. Out of 59 deaths in this period, 35 were recorded in Mumbai, 7 in Panvel, 6 in Thane, 6 in Vasai-Virar, 2 in Navi Mumbai, 1 was recorded in KalyanDombivali, 1 in Jalgaon and 1 of a resident of ar state. 

READ | Kerala Malls Begin Re-opening Preparations For June 8 'Unlock-1' Date; Eye Customer Safety