Delhi Enforces Section 144 Ahead of Farmer Protest: Restrictions and Exemptions Announced
Feb 13, 2024, 14:41 IST
Delhi Enforces Section 144 Ahead of Farmer Protest: Restrictions and Exemptions Announced
A day before to the farmers' 'Dilli Chalo' march to the nation's capital, which is comparable to the protest in 2020–21, the Delhi Police issued prohibitory orders across the city, effective immediately, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The directive, issued by Chief Sanjay Arora of the Delhi Police, will remain in effect for 30 days unless the chief decides to revoke it sooner.
A number of farmer groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have planned a "Dilli Chalo" march on February 13, 2024, to demonstrate outside of Parliament House and make their demands known. A reasonable fear or prospect arises that the marchers may attempt to enter Delhi from several entrance points. As a result of the participants' entry into Delhi territory, there is a high probability of public disturbance, social discontent, public discomfort, and even violence, according to the order.
The intelligence community is concerned that some groups of protesters or troublemakers would instigate widespread disorder for their own benefit, and that this might lead to serious law and order issues. "The territory of Delhi shall not be entered by tractor trolleys, trucks, or any other vehicles carrying persons or goods, particularly those armed with sticks/lathis/dandas, swords, spears, bludgeons, firearms, or anything else dangerous."
Rallies, processions, and gatherings of five or more people are all outright forbidden by the decree. Within the geographical confines of Delhi/New Delhi, it is absolutely forbidden to organise, convene, or participate in any processions, demonstrations, rallies, or foot marches, whether for political, social, or any other reason.
There will be more checks on vehicles coming from nearby states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as part of the new border security measures. Vehicles that are discovered to be in possession of goods that might be used for disruptive purposes will not be allowed entrance into Delhi.
The Delhi Police have issued a directive that all vehicles entering the city from the nearby states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be subject to a comprehensive scrutiny.
In his order, Arora said that any cars discovered to be carrying materials that may cause disruption, such as lathis, rods, banners, or similar items, would not be allowed access into Delhi.
Nothing may be spoken or done in a way that would cause public disturbance. In the event of a violation, the offender may face criminal charges under Indian Penal Code section 188.
The decree said that anybody who violates its requirements will be held criminally accountable and subject to prosecution under the Indian Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1860), specifically section 188.
Events such as weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, and those organised by the government are excluded from this rule.
Punjab and Haryana's administrative authorities have also sealed borders and implemented Section 144 in many districts, taking similar measures. In preparation for the "Dilli Chalo" march, farmers' unions from these states have banded together under the banners of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to seek higher minimum support prices (MSP).
Everyone is waiting with bated breath for the scheduled meeting in Chandigarh between three ministers from the Union and the farmers' unions. What happens next will be influenced by the outcome of this conference.
A number of farmer groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have planned a "Dilli Chalo" march on February 13, 2024, to demonstrate outside of Parliament House and make their demands known. A reasonable fear or prospect arises that the marchers may attempt to enter Delhi from several entrance points. As a result of the participants' entry into Delhi territory, there is a high probability of public disturbance, social discontent, public discomfort, and even violence, according to the order.
The intelligence community is concerned that some groups of protesters or troublemakers would instigate widespread disorder for their own benefit, and that this might lead to serious law and order issues. "The territory of Delhi shall not be entered by tractor trolleys, trucks, or any other vehicles carrying persons or goods, particularly those armed with sticks/lathis/dandas, swords, spears, bludgeons, firearms, or anything else dangerous."
Rallies, processions, and gatherings of five or more people are all outright forbidden by the decree. Within the geographical confines of Delhi/New Delhi, it is absolutely forbidden to organise, convene, or participate in any processions, demonstrations, rallies, or foot marches, whether for political, social, or any other reason.
There will be more checks on vehicles coming from nearby states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as part of the new border security measures. Vehicles that are discovered to be in possession of goods that might be used for disruptive purposes will not be allowed entrance into Delhi.
The Delhi Police have issued a directive that all vehicles entering the city from the nearby states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be subject to a comprehensive scrutiny.
In his order, Arora said that any cars discovered to be carrying materials that may cause disruption, such as lathis, rods, banners, or similar items, would not be allowed access into Delhi.
Nothing may be spoken or done in a way that would cause public disturbance. In the event of a violation, the offender may face criminal charges under Indian Penal Code section 188.
The decree said that anybody who violates its requirements will be held criminally accountable and subject to prosecution under the Indian Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1860), specifically section 188.
Events such as weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, and those organised by the government are excluded from this rule.
Punjab and Haryana's administrative authorities have also sealed borders and implemented Section 144 in many districts, taking similar measures. In preparation for the "Dilli Chalo" march, farmers' unions from these states have banded together under the banners of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to seek higher minimum support prices (MSP).
Everyone is waiting with bated breath for the scheduled meeting in Chandigarh between three ministers from the Union and the farmers' unions. What happens next will be influenced by the outcome of this conference.