Pune police impose 14-day curbs from July 21 in view of festivals, protests
Pune, July 18 (IANS) In order to maintain law and order in the Pune district, the police administration has imposed restrictive orders under Sections 37(1), 37(2), and 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, for a period of 14 days, from July 21 to August 3.
This order will remain in effect across the entire Pune Police Commissionerate area from 12:01 A.M. on July 21 to 12:00 A.M. (midnight) on August 3.
According to the order issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Prashant Amrutkar, these restrictions have been imposed to maintain public peace and safety.
The move comes in view of various agitations — such as marches, sit-ins (dharnas), shutdowns (bandhs), and hunger strikes — organised by political parties and social organisations, as well as the upcoming birth anniversary of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe and other festivals.
The order prohibits the assembly of five or more people, the holding of meetings, or the taking out of processions without prior permission from the Police Commissioner.
The restrictive order bans the carrying, collecting, or preparing of explosives, flammable or incendiary substances, as well as stones, weapons, swords, spears, lathis, sticks, guns, or any instrument capable of causing physical harm.
Furthermore, there is a ban on displaying or burning effigies of individuals, leaders, or symbolic figures; raising inflammatory, obscene, or offensive slogans; delivering provocative public speeches; and disseminating material or displaying posters, banners, and symbols that could compromise public peace, morality, or state security.
A significant provision has also been added to the order stating that action will be taken against activities such as creating and sharing social media reels that spread panic, issue threats, or glorify crime.
However, this order will not apply to employees on official duty, officers authorised to carry weapons in the discharge of their duties, or private security guards and watchmen carrying lathis (batons) up to 3.5 feet in length.
The police have clarified that legal action will be taken under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, against those who violate the order.
Furthermore, investigations, legal proceedings, and penal actions regarding violations may continue even after the order’s validity period has expired.
The Pune Police have appealed to citizens to comply with the restrictive orders and cooperate with the administration in maintaining law and order.
–IANS
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