New Delhi: Prayagraj will be under prohibitory orders from January 16 to February 28, 2025, to maintain law and order during the Mahakumbh Mela and other overlapping events. The additional commissioner of police announced the decision on Friday, citing potential disruptions by anti-social elements.
The orders, implemented under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, were passed without prior notice due to the urgency of the situation. The period encompasses numerous significant events, including Republic Day, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Sant Ravidas Jayanti, Maghi Purnima, Valentine’s Day, Shab-e-Barat, Mahashivratri, and various competitive examinations, reported news agency ANI.
The prohibitory orders aim to “stop all efforts of anti-social elements in the public interest” and ensure peaceful celebrations and safe conduct of examinations.
“In view of the communal sensitivity of the district, on the basis of information received from reliable sources, I am convinced that there is a possibility of anti-social elements causing disruption in law and order of the district. In view of the said festivals, there is an urgent need to maintain peace,” ACP was quoted as saying by ANI.
Key Restrictions
- Prior permission is required for organising events, processions, protests, or demonstrations. Blocking roads, instigating, or publicising such events without permission is prohibited.
- A designated protest site has been established near Patthar Church at the Police Chowki dharna site, Civil Lines Police Station.
- Drone usage is restricted, except for police and administrative purposes, and requires prior permission.
- Carrying weapons like lathis, dandas, axes, sticks, firearms, and other lethal weapons is prohibited. Exceptions apply to the handicapped, elderly individuals using sticks for support, Sikhs carrying kirpans, and authorised police/administrative personnel.
- Provocative speeches, distribution of inflammatory materials, spreading rumors, and sharing misleading or sensitive content on social media or any other medium are prohibited. Selling, playing, or displaying provocative audio/video content is also banned.
- Damaging private or government property is prohibited.
- Forcibly closing establishments, disrupting government offices, factories, mills, essential commodity distribution, or obstructing public transport is prohibited. Creating public disturbances or traffic disruptions is also prohibited.
