Farmers' Protest On February 13: Delhi Police Impose Section 144; Check Restrictions

Delhi Police on Monday imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code across the national capital ahead of the farmers' march on February 13. The order, which came into effect today, February 12, will remain in force for 30 days i.e March 12 (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier.

The order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner, Sanjay Arora, prohibits any type of rally or procession and blocking of roads and passages. The order has imposed a ban on tractor rallies trying to cross the borders of the national capital. Farmers from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are expected to enter Delhi during the march to demand a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for their produce.

Prohibition on assembly: There shall be a prohibition on blocking road passages, any type of procession agitation, rally, or public meeting by the agitators or general public or public representatives by way of assembly or gathering of five or more persons with or without weapons in the entire jurisdiction of Delhi, except for purposes specifically permitted under the law.

Prohibition on carrying out processions/rallies: There shall be an absolute prohibition on organisation, convening, or participation in any processions, demonstrations, rallies, or march on foot, whether for political, social, or any other purpose, within the geographical limits of Delhi/New Delhi.

Restriction on entry of tractor trolleys: No tractor trolleys, trucks, or any other vehicles transporting individuals or materials, especially those carrying implements such as sticks or 'lathis' or 'dandas', swords, spears, bludgeons, firearms or any other thing capable of being used as weapons or tools of violence, shall be permitted entry into the territory of Delhi.

Ban on carrying corrosive substances or explosives: There shall be a ban on carrying any firearms, explosives, corrosive substances or any lethal weapon or any other article capable of being used as a weapon of offence or defence at any public place within the territory of Delhi/New Delhi, with immediate effect. Similarly, there is a complete prohibition on collecting or carrying brickbats, boulders, acids or any other dangerous fluid, petrol, soda water bottles or any articles capable of use for causing danger in any form to human life and safety.

Enhanced border security measures: All vehicular traffic originating from the borders/pickets of adjoining districts of neighbouring states i.e. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and heading towards Delhi shall be subjected to rigorous and thorough inspection by law enforcement authorities stationed at designated checkpoints. Any vehicle found to be transporting 'lathis', rods, banners, or similar objects likely to be used for disruptive purposes shall be denied entry into Delhi.

Prohibition on provocative actions or utterances: It shall be unlawful for any person, group, or organisation to disseminate, propagate, or utter any provocative slogan, speech, or message, whether through verbal, written, or electronic means, which may incite or inflame passions leading to a breach of public order and tranquillity.

Prohibition on use of loudspeakers: There shall be an absolute prohibition on the use of any amplifier, loudspeaker or other similar instrument in or at any private vehicles or private building or public place unless allowed by the competent authority.

Extension of full cooperation: All residents, community leaders and stakeholders shall extend their full cooperation and support to the law enforcement agencies in the implementation of this order, with the understanding that it is aimed at safeguarding the collective security and well-being of the populace.