Shimla DC bans protests at 10 key areas for 2 months

Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap has prohibited protests in 10 key locations of the town for the next two months to maintain law and order. However, this order does not apply to police, paramilitary, and military personnel on duty.

The restricted areas include Chotta Shimla to Ridge and Kennedy House, Rendezvous Restaurant to Rivoli Cinema (within a 150-meter radius), Scandal Point to Kali Bari Temple, Chotta Shimla Gurudwara to Link Road, Chotta Shimla-Kasumpti Road, Chotta Shimla Chowk to Raj Bhawan to Oak Over, the pedestrian path near Chotta Shimla Gurudwara to Kasumpti Road, Cart Road to Majitha House link road, AG Office to Cart Road, CPWD Office to Chaura Maidan, and the police booth above the DC’s Office to Lower Bazaar (within a 50-metre radius).

By exercising powers under Section 6 of the Punjab State Security Act, 1953, the DC has prohibited all protests, rallies, processions, public meetings, slogan-raising and carrying of any items that could be used as weapons in these areas. Any event in these locations will require prior permission from the competent authority. Violators will face strict legal action.

Additionally, the district administration has mandated that migrant workers must inform the respective police station before taking up any work. Employers, contractors or businessmen in Shimla district are barred from hiring migrant workers for informal jobs or contract labour unless the worker registers and verifies their details with the Station House Officer (SHO), along with a passport-sized photograph.

Failure to comply with this order will result in punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which prescribes punishment for disobeying orders issued by public servants. These orders will remain effective in the district for the next two months.