Coronavirus: All states and Union Territories have stepped up the fight against COVID-19 (AFP)

VIPs violating curfew to check coronavirus in Chandigarh will be named and shamed, a top officer has warned in a tweet that has drawn sharp reactions. "From tomorrow we will publish name and designation of VIPs violating curfew orders and going for morning and evening. Be warned," Union Territory adviser Manoj Parida tweeted on Wednesday.

"Do u know the full form of VIP? Very Idiotic Person," he said in another tweet.

The move is not appropriate in "civilized society", Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kanwar Sandhu tweeted in response. "No, naming and shaming is not done in a civilised society. Bring a law to fine them and punish them," Mr Sandhu tweeted.

No, @manuparida1, naming and shaming in not done in a civilised society. Bring a law to fine them and punish them.@vpsbadnorehttps://t.co/RD547Tsb5C — Kanwar Sandhu (@SandhuKanwar) April 16, 2020

Chandigarh has been named among the coronavirus red zones of the country, areas which have the most number of cases. The Union Territory has 33 COVID-19 cases.

Mr Parida has reportedly asked for a list from the police and the names will be posted on social media.

"It is unfortunate that people are still going for morning and evening walks, defying curfew order in the city," the UT adviser told reporters after a meeting yesterday.

The Chandigarh police had rounded up more than 400 morning walkers on Monday. Action has been taken against many of them under Section 188 on defying a government order.

Among those allowed to go with a warning were reportedly Punjab and Haryana bureaucrats.