Fresh Restrictions Imposed After Student Protest Wave
Mumbai Police have enforced prohibitory orders across the city from Thursday until August 6 as authorities move to prevent any escalation of protests linked to the nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The decision follows a series of demonstrations held in Mumbai in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which has been leading protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Officials said the restrictions are intended to maintain public order after recent protests and intelligence inputs indicating the possibility of fresh demonstrations and disturbances.
Police Cite Law and Order Concerns
According to the police notification, authorities have received inputs suggesting there could be attempts to organise gatherings that may disrupt public peace or lead to damage to property. Based on these assessments, the city police invoked powers under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, imposing restrictions across Mumbai.
Security has also been stepped up at several sensitive locations, with additional police personnel deployed to prevent unauthorised demonstrations and maintain normalcy.
Nearly 900 Protesters Already Booked
The latest restrictions come days after Mumbai Police registered eight FIRs against nearly 900 individuals for participating in demonstrations supporting the CJP campaign over the alleged examination paper leak.
Police have warned that any protest held without prior permission during the restricted period could invite legal action. Participants may face charges under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act for violating lawful orders and participating in unlawful assemblies.
What the Restrictions Include
The prohibitory orders ban the assembly of five or more people without permission. Carrying weapons, explosives or dangerous objects has also been prohibited.
Authorities have further restricted activities such as public speeches, slogan shouting, singing protest songs, displaying placards, banners, effigies, symbols and other materials that could, in the opinion of the competent authority, disturb public order or create law-and-order issues.
Police said the restrictions are preventive in nature and will remain effective until August 6, unless modified or withdrawn earlier.
Background: Protests Intensified After Delhi March
The restrictions come in the aftermath of large-scale protests that intensified after thousands of students and CJP supporters marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament on July 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities.
Following those demonstrations, similar protests spread to several cities, including Mumbai, prompting authorities to increase security and impose preventive measures to avoid further unrest.
Q1. Why has Mumbai Police imposed prohibitory orders?
A: Mumbai Police imposed prohibitory orders to maintain law and order following recent demonstrations linked to the alleged NEET paper leak protests and intelligence inputs indicating the possibility of fresh unrest.
Q2. How long will the prohibitory orders remain in force?
A: The restrictions will remain in effect from July 23 until August 6, unless withdrawn earlier by the authorities.
Q3. What activities are prohibited under the order?
A: The order prohibits unlawful assembly of five or more persons, carrying weapons or explosives, raising slogans, delivering speeches, displaying placards, banners, effigies and organising protests without prior permission.
Q4. Under which law have the restrictions been imposed?
A: The restrictions have been imposed under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.
Q5. Why were the restrictions introduced now?
A: The order comes after recent demonstrations in Mumbai supporting the CJP movement over the alleged NEET paper leak and concerns over possible fresh protests.
