As of December 3, the Mumbai police have banned gatherings of five or more people in the city, according to a press release. But there is no need to panic.
The news of the Mumbai police imposing certain restrictions and prohibitions made headlines every now and then. But very few people know that these are not new orders, but the same order that is renewed every 15 days. On December 2, reports claimed that police had issued a press release banning, among other things, the gathering of more than four-five people and the use of loudspeakers until January 2.
Soon, several Twitter users took to the social media platforms to ask if the news about the curfew is true.
@Mumbai Police Dear Sir,
We have been informed that there will be a curfew in Mumbai for the next few days, is that true? Tried searching Mumbai Police twit but couldn’t find it. Please help in this regard. Thanks in advance sir. – Praveen Singh (@praveens010) December 2, 2022
“This is just a ‘jamao bandi’ from December 3 to 17, which is renewed every 15 days. Under this law, the gathering of four to five people is prohibited,” said a police official. The Mumbai Police also issued a clarification stating, “Above are routine warrants issued by the Mumbai Police throughout the year.”
The Joint CP provided a clarification via Twitter.
Clarification on CRPC #144The news of the ‘curfew’ imposed in Mumbai is making the rounds on the internet.Joint CP @vishwasnp (Law & Order) explains that it is just a routine injunction that is renewed every 15 days, and calls on everyone not to share it any further.#MumbaiPoliceUpdates pic.twitter.com/eAwrSSjDPr
— मुंबई पोलीस – Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) December 3, 2022
This is not the first time this confusion has arisen after a similar order was passed. The last time, on 25 October, a similar situation arose when the routine unlawful assembly order under the Maharashtra Police Act was extended. The order copy leaked and caused confusion.
What does the law say?
This order largely does not affect anything or anyone. The police also take no action until and unless a meeting leads to law enforcement. In the event that ruckus or unrest arises in a “public order situation”, the accused will also be charged under sections of violation of the Maharashtra Police Act.
“The commissioner and the district magistrate in areas under their respective responsibility may, when and for such time as he deems necessary for the maintenance of public peace or public security, by notice publicly posted or addressed to individuals, in Prohibit any town, village or place or near such town, village or place…,” says the law.
Under this law, authorities can impose restrictions on “carrying weapons, clubs, swords, spears, clubs, guns, knives, sticks or lathes”, “uttering shrieks in public, singing songs, playing musk and “delivering speeches, using gestures or mimetic representations” among others.
So the next time you see a new report about restrictions being placed on social gatherings, don’t panic. It could just be a renewed order from the Mumbai Police to ensure peace in the city.
(With input from Santia Gora)
First print: IST
