Police Issue Preventive Order to Maintain Law and Order
The Mumbai Police has announced fresh prohibitory measures across the city, restricting public gatherings and certain activities between July 23 and August 6. The order has been issued as a precautionary step following intelligence inputs indicating the possibility of disturbances that could affect public peace and safety.
The restrictions have been imposed under the provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan and will remain effective throughout areas under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
Restrictions Cover Public Gatherings, Processions and Loudspeakers
As part of the order, assemblies of five or more persons have been prohibited during the notified period. Authorities have also banned processions, the use of loudspeakers and sound amplification systems, musical bands in public processions, and the bursting of firecrackers during such events unless specifically permitted.
Police said the preventive measures are intended to minimise the risk of any breach of peace, protect public property and ensure law and order across the city.
Several Activities Kept Outside the Purview of the Order
Despite the restrictions, the police have exempted a number of routine and essential activities from the prohibitory order.
Marriage ceremonies, wedding-related functions, funeral gatherings and funeral processions will continue without disruption. Official meetings held by companies, cooperative societies, clubs and associations for routine business have also been exempted.
Similarly, cinemas, theatres and other public entertainment venues can continue operations as per existing regulations.
Government Offices, Schools and Businesses Exempt
The order will not apply to official work conducted in courts, government offices and local bodies. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, can continue their academic activities without interruption.
Factories, shops and commercial establishments engaged in regular business operations have also been exempted. Additionally, public gatherings or processions that receive prior approval from the concerned zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police and senior supervisory officers will be allowed.
Violators May Face Legal Action
Mumbai Police has warned that violations of the prohibitory order could invite legal action. Officials clarified that investigations and prosecution related to offences committed during the enforcement period may continue even after the restrictions are withdrawn.
To ensure wider public awareness, copies of the order will be displayed at prominent public locations, government offices and courts, while information will also be disseminated through public announcements and the media.
The restrictions come shortly after similar preventive measures were enforced in New Delhi ahead of recent demonstrations near Parliament.
Q1. When will the Mumbai Police restrictions come into effect?
Answer: The prohibitory orders will remain in force from 12:01 am on July 23 until midnight on August 6 across Mumbai.
Q2. What has Mumbai Police prohibited under the new order?
Answer: The order prohibits gatherings of five or more people, public processions, loudspeakers, musical bands and bursting of firecrackers during processions without permission.
Q3. Are marriages and funerals exempt from the restrictions?
Answer: Yes. Marriage ceremonies, wedding-related functions, funeral gatherings and funeral processions have been exempted from the prohibitory order.
Q4. Will schools, colleges and businesses remain open?
Answer: Yes. Schools, colleges, government offices, factories, shops and commercial establishments can continue their normal activities.
Q5. Can authorised processions still take place?
Answer: Yes. Processions and public gatherings approved by the concerned zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police and supervisory officers are exempt from the restrictions.
