Amid call for multiple protests, Section 163 invoked till Oct 5

Following inputs that multiple organisations have called for protests in the first week of October, the Delhi Police Commissioner on Monday imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for the next six days.

In a statement, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora said the general atmosphere, and law and order situation of the Capital was sensitive in light of the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, Shahi Idgah issue, Municipal Corporation of Delhi Standing Elections and pending DU students’ union election results.

Besides, the order cited Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, and heavy movement of VVIPs and dignitaries in New Delhi and Central Delhi over the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The police commissioner implemented Section 163 (power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the BNSS in the districts of New Delhi, North and Central Delhi, and police stations with jurisdiction over Delhi’s state borders for six days from September 30 to October 5.

The order prohibits the assembly of five or more unauthorised persons; carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, spears, swords, sticks, brickbats, etc; sit-ins or dharnas in any public area. The violation of the order is punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-2023, stated the commissioner’s office.

“This order mentions 100-odd reasons why there should be curfew-like situation in Delhi. None of the reason appears genuine. I believe Centre is scared that people of Delhi will raise voice against rise of gangsters and firing incidents for extortion in Delhi,” said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj.

What order says

The order prohibits the assembly of five or more unauthorised persons; carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, spears, swords, sticks, brickbats, etc; sit-ins or dharnas in any public area. The violation of the order is punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-2023, stated the commissioner’s office.