24. (1) The District Magistrate ¹[or the Police Commissioner in ²[a Metropolitan Area]] may, subject to the control of the Government, by order direct that, subject to any exemption specified in the order, no person present within any area or areas specified in the order shall, between such hours as may be specified in the order, be out of doors except under the authority of a written permit granted by a specified authority or person. (2) If any person contravenes any order made under this section, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.