Hyderabad police impose month-long ban on public gatherings, protests

Hyderabad police issued a notification prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, as well as processions, dharnas, rallies, and public meetings, within the Hyderabad and Secunderabad limits. This restriction was enforced to maintain public order and peace in the city.

In Short

• Restrictions imposed to prevent unrest
• Designated sites marked for protests
• Ban in effect until November 28, 2024

The Hyderabad City Police Commissioner issued a ban on gatherings of five or more people, processions, dharnas, rallies, and public meetings within the Hyderabad and Secunderabad city limits, effective from Sunday, October 27, evening.

This restriction, aimed at maintaining peace and order in response to intelligence reports of potential disturbances, was put into effect from 6 pm on October 27 and will run till 6 pm on November 28, 2024.

The current order also prohibited the display of images, placards, flags, and the electronic sharing of messages that could incite public unrest.

While this order restricted gatherings, peaceful protests were allowed, but only at the designated Indira Park Dharna Chowk. Gatherings or protests near sensitive areas, including the Secretariat, were strictly forbidden. Violators of this prohibition would face prosecution under relevant laws.

The police implemented these restrictions to ensure public safety and prevent possible disruptions across the city, especially during this festival season.

But, there were also exemptions to this order, including funeral processions, persons or groups specifically exempted by competent authorities and military personnel on duty.

Other exemptions were for on-duty police officers, including Home Guard and Special Police Officers, and flying squads of the education department.

The order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. Under Section 163 of the BNSS, District Magistrates or similar authorities can issue written orders requiring individuals to stop certain actions or take specific steps with their property to prevent harm, disturbances, or threats to public safety.

Both the Magistrate and the State Government have the authority to modify or cancel these orders, and affected individuals have the right to appeal and present their case.

Previously, such prohibitions were enforced under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.