Delhi Police asks Civil Lines SDM to withdraw prohibitory order issued under sec 144

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District) Madhur Verma on Thursday asked the Civil Lines Sub-Divisional Magistrate to withdraw its notification issued under section 144 of Cr.PC on August 2 prohibiting holding of public meetings, assembly of five or more people or processions, demonstration, dharna etc.

DCP Verma in a letter to the SDM said it amounts to unnecessary interference in the working of the Delhi Police and is beyond the domain of powers of the SDM in Delhi.

In a statement to the media, DCP Verma explained, "Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Civil Lines Sub-Division, issued an order under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC) on August 2, in which he prohibited holding of public meetings, assembly of five or more people or processions, demonstration, dharna etc at Flag Staff Road, Civil Lines, and its neighbouring areas, including Indraprastha College, Tiraha at Shyamanath Marg and other areas near the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal."

"This order is in violation of a notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued on July 1, 1978 vide which power and duties of Executive Magistrate and District Magistrate under section 144 of Cr.PC within Delhi are given to the Delhi Commissioner of Police," the DCP contested.

Therefore, a letter has been written to the Civil Lines SDM to withdraw its notification, he added.