Section 144 in Noida: The Gautam Buddh Nagar police have issued an order imposing restrictions under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) across Noida and Greater Noida. The restrictions, which are in effect from October 15 to 31, include a ban on unauthorized assemblies involving more than five individuals, as well as processions and other activities related to public gatherings.
The order issued before Navratri states that no religious activities, including namaz, puja, or any other form of worship, will be permitted at public places without prior authorisation from the police. The order mentioned that religious activities, including puja and namaz, would not be permitted at any controversial place where they have not traditionally taken place, and individuals should refrain from promoting such activities in such areas.
'No one would place religious flags, posters, or banners'
“No one would insult the religious texts of other faiths. No one would place religious flags, posters, or banners at the walls of religious places nor would they support anyone in doing this,” the order stated.
The police emphasised that the restrictions would be in place during a period that includes Navratri starting from October 15, Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on October 23, Dussehra on October 24, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on October 28, and October 31, which marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Acharya Narendra Dev.
Besides this, various examinations are being conducted from time to time by the government/various commissions/councils etc. in Gautam Buddh Nagar, which is informed a little before the due date while various programs like protests, demonstrations etc also take place often, the police noted.
'Anti-social elements cannot be ruled out'
“In view of the above, the possibility of disturbing the peace by anti-social elements cannot be ruled out… At present, peace can be disturbed due to protests by various party workers, Indian farmer organisations and various protesters,” Additional DCP (law and order) Hridesh Katheria said in the order for CrPC 144 restrictions.
“For all these reasons, in order to maintain peace and harmony in Gautam Buddh Nagar, it is necessary to prevent any mischievous elements from carrying out such activities which may create a possibility of creating an unfavourable environment,” Katheria noted.
The order warned of legal action against offenders under IPC section 188 (disobedience to orders duly promulgated by government officials).
(With PTI inputs)
