Noida Police invokes CrPC 144 ahead of festivals
Police in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar on Tuesday invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) till April 30, prohibiting unauthorized protests and warning of action against people not following COVID-19 protocols like social distancing and wearing face masks at public places, according to an order. The restrictions have been imposed in view of the upcoming festivals.
'Anti-social elements might try to disrupt law and order'
"Restrictions have been imposed in view of festivals such as Holi, Shab-e-Baraat, Good Friday, Navratri, Ambedkar Jayanti, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Hanuman Jayanti, etc. amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," it stated. "During these occasions, the chances of anti-social elements attempting to disrupt law and order cannot be ruled out," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ashutosh Dwivedi said in the order.
People must follow COVID-19 protocols in public places: Order
"During the period, people will have to follow the COVID-19 protocols at public places," according to the order. "Nobody would be allowed to roam around with sticks, rods, or firearms at public places except for differently-abled and vision-impaired persons," it stated.
Special permission required to hold protests, processions or hunger strikes
"Nobody will be allowed to hold protests, processions or hunger strikes without permission from the competent authority, nor will they encourage others to do so," the order stated. "No firearms will be allowed inside government or private offices during the period. People who have been provided with armed security personnel by the government will ensure that their gunners stay out of offices," it added.
Violators will be prosecuted under IPC Section 188
The police reiterated the complete ban on celebratory firing at events like weddings and consumption of liquor in public places during the period and cautioned people against selling, playing or displaying any audio or visual, which may create tension. "Any violation of restrictive orders under CrPC Section 144 or its sub-sections would lead to the prosecution of offenders under IPC Section 188," it warned.
