Mumbai police issue order banning assembly of 5 or more people

In view of the ensuing festive season, the Mumbai police have issued an order prohibiting any assembly of five or more person, while restricting individuals from taking out procession in the city for 14 days, effective from this October 30.

According to the order issued here yesterday, "Any assembly of five or more person, any procession of any person and any use of loudspeaker, amplifying instrument, musical band and bursting of crackers in any procession by the assembly is prohibited and anyone found in the violating the order will be subjected to face investigation and legal proceedings."

The order will come into the effect from October 30, 2015 (00:01 hrs) and would remain effective till November 13, 2015 (24:00 hrs).

Mumbai Police Spokesperson DCP Dhananjay Kulkarni said the decision has been taken to maintain law and order during the festival season.

He clarified that the order does not restricts anyone from bursting crackers.

"With festivals just around the corner, lot of political agitations are taking place and more such gatherings are expected to be held. So, considering the law and order situation, such a decision has been taken," Kulkarni said.

The prohibitory order, however, will not be applicable on assembling during a marriage, funeral or statutory meetings of companies of clubs, co-operative societies and other societies/associations.

The restriction would also be not applicable on assembly of people at cinema houses, place of public entertainment, court of laws, government offices, semi-government offices, local bodies, schools, colleges, academic places, factories, shops, establishments etc, the order read.

The decision by the Mumbai Police has been taken by exercising the powers with it under section 37 of Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.