Maharashtra: Pune Police issue preventive orders citing law and order concerns
Pune, May 26
The Pune City Police has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, across the city from May 26 to June 8 in view of Bakri Eid and other upcoming festivals, according to an official order issued by the Special Branch.
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr Prashant Avasakar, stated that various political parties and social organisations in Pune city organise marches, sit-ins, demonstrations, shutdowns, and hunger strikes for different public demands, and due to various reasons, there is a possibility of law and order issues arising.
The order further stated that the restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order, public peace, and public safety in the Pune City Police Commissionerate limits.
As per the order, carrying weapons, explosives, inflammable substances, sticks, swords, firearms, or any objects that could cause physical harm has been prohibited during the period.
The order also bans raising loud slogans, public criticism through provocative means, playing loud musical instruments, displaying or burning effigies, and circulating objectionable signs, posters, or symbols that could disturb communal harmony or public morality.
Further, speeches or appeals that could threaten social harmony, endanger state security, or provoke violence have also been prohibited.
The police have also prohibited gatherings of five or more persons, processions, and slogan shouting without prior permission from the Pune Police Commissioner.
However, the order will not apply to government personnel on duty, private security guards, home guards, and watchmen carrying sticks up to 3.5 feet in length as part of their duties.
The prohibitory orders will remain in force from 12:01 am on May 26 till midnight on June 8 across the Pune City Police Commissionerate limits.
Police said violators of the order would face action under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, these preventive orders are necessary. Pune has seen some tense moments in the past during festivals. At least they banned weapons and provocative speeches. Peaceful celebration is everyone's right, but we must ensure no one takes advantage of the situation. 👍
Section 37 Maharashtra Police Act - preventive orders are fine, but 2 weeks? From May 26 to June 8? That's like 14 days of restrictions. What about daily life of common people? Processions and gatherings are part of our culture. Hope police use discretion wisely and don't harass innocent citizens.
I support this move. Bakri Eid ke din kuch log hadd paar kar jaate hain. Pichle saal bhi kuch incidents hue the. Weapons, loud slogans, provocative speeches - sab pe ban hona chahiye. Police ka kaam hai law and order maintain karna. Log 2 hafte apne festivals peacefully mana sakte hain.
Prohibitory orders are okay but why only Bakri Eid? What about other festivals? And why ban processions and gatherings completely? Could have been more nuanced. Also, the order says 'without prior permission' - that means people can still apply for permissions. So it's not a complete ban, but an administrative measure. Fair enough.
Interesting approach. In Canada, we have similar provisions for public safety during large gatherings. The key is implementation. If Pune Police can ensure that peaceful celebrations continue while preventing any potential violence, this
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