Threat to Mumbai’s law and order situation, section 144 imposed for 15 days

In a bid to maintain law and order, Maharashtra government decided to impose section 144 across Mumbai under section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act for 15 days from November 1 to November 15.

The decision has been taken in the wake of a “suspicious” phone call wherein an unidentified caller informed that bombs have been planted at several key locations across the financial capital, as per media reports.  Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) restricts the gathering of more than five people in public spaces. The decision was pronounced on Friday.

As per the guidelines, gathering of more than five people will not be allowed for 15 days from November 1. According to sources, the police have got inputs that miscreants would try to disturb peace and the law-and-order situation.

The order also states that there will be a ban on processions and the bursting of firecrackers in the financial capital. As per the order, use of loudspeakers and music bands in a procession will also not be allowed in the city.

However, the police administration exempted meetings at clubs, companies, cooperative societies, theatres, cinema halls, wedding ceremonies and funerals from the restrictions imposed under the order.

In a separate order, the city police have also banned the display or possession of arms and ammunition and weapons from November 3 to December 2. As per the order, any creation, display or publishing of pictures, signs and boards, which will lead to trouble in social morals, security or danger to topple the government, are also banned.

While the state government has not clearly spelled out the exact nature of threat, people in the city are upset over the restrictions imposed in the festive seasons.