Picture Courtesy : Hindustan Times
With prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 CrPC in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram , movement of people in groups will be restricted over the weekend. According to Times of India report, In Delhi, the orders will remain in place for 15 days. Police said they would not stop families from travelling in private vehicles. However, people moving in large numbers will be watched.
According to a Times of India report, DTC has said it would not ply buses to neighbouring states till further orders. However, Delhi Metro would continue to operate as usual, unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement agencies, an official said. Metro remains the best bet for the next few days, considering the restrictions imposed on road travel.
Police said they would try to ensure minimal inconvenience to people. The real challenge, however, would be to maintain smooth traffic on Monday when most offices open after the weekend. The administration has appealed to people to avoid assembling at public places.
As per Section 144, the competent authority can restrict group movement and issue other regulatory orders in cases where danger to public order is anticipated. Generally, it prohibits assembly or movement of five or more people. Such groups, if prosecuted for violating Section 144, can be booked under several IPC sections, including rioting. Police have clarified that it is different from a curfew where no one can step out without prior permission.
Police in Noida and Ghaziabad, too, are on a high alert. Noida SSP Love Kumar said security has been stepped up at the borders. Educational institutes have been asked to remain shut in Ghaziabad on Saturday.
According to Noida district information officer Rakesh Chauhan, the administration had already enforced Section 144 of CrPC on July 18 for two months after farmers staged protests seeking increased compensation for land acquired for the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Officials have been told to ensure its complete compliance, he said.
