Section 163 curbs imposed in Noida till October 20 amid protests, festivals, exams
Section 163 curbs imposed in Noida till October 20 amid protests, festivals, exams
M.U.H
10/10/202617
Gautam Buddh Nagar Police on Friday imposed prohibitory orders across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, restricting gatherings of five or more people without prior permission, processions, provocative speeches and the spread of misleading information. The order will come into effect on Saturday morning and remain in force till October 20.
The move comes on a day when the Cockroach Janata Party called a major protest in neighbouring Delhi, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of irregularities in the country’s electoral processes raised by opposition parties and others.
Various groups, including farmers’ associations and youth organisations, have also asked people from different parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh, to join the protest.
Security checks have been stepped up and additional police personnel and other security forces, including the Border Security Force, have been deployed at Noida’s borders with Delhi.
According to an official statement, the order issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Archana Singh will cover the Navratri festival beginning October 11, as well as Dussehra and Mahanavami celebrations on October 19 and 20, besides various examinations.
It also cites ongoing demonstrations by farmers’ organisations, political parties and other groups over different demands.
The order states that the "possibility of anti-social elements disturbing public peace and law and order cannot be ruled out". It has been issued ex parte, citing the urgency of the situation and the lack of time to provide an opportunity for a hearing to other parties.
Under the order, no person can organise or take part in a procession on public roads or at toll plazas, or gather in a group of five or more at a public place, without prior permission from the police commissioner, additional police commissioner or deputy police commissioners. It adds that relaxation may be granted for programmes permitted by the government.
The restrictions also ban provocative slogans and speeches, acts that may hurt religious sentiments, inflame tension or disturb communal harmony, and the unauthorised use of drones for filming or photography. Drone filming has been completely banned within a one-kilometre radius of government offices.
Tampering with drones, barricades, CCTV cameras or public address systems installed in public places has also been prohibited. The order further restricts the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am and bars religious events on public roads or in public places without permission.
It also prohibits unauthorised worship at disputed sites, religious disrespect, provocative displays, carrying or displaying weapons, celebratory firing, public drinking, spreading rumours or misleading content, and storing potentially dangerous materials.
Forced closure of businesses, disruption of essential supplies, and the sale or use of "Chinese" manjha have also been barred. Within 200 metres of examination centres, large gatherings, unauthorised loudspeakers and photocopying are restricted, while electronic devices and unfair means are prohibited without permission.
The police said the order will remain in effect across Gautam Buddh Nagar from October 10 to 20 unless modified by a later order of the Uttar Pradesh government, and violations will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
In effect, the order puts wide-ranging curbs in place across Gautam Buddh Nagar for 10 days, covering festival dates, examinations and a period of heightened protest activity, while laying down penalties for violations.
