High Alert In Delhi Over Farmers' Protest, Section 144 Imposed Till March 12: What's Not Allowed

On Monday, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora announced the enforcement of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across the entirety of Delhi. This move aims to prohibit large gatherings and maintain law and order, particularly in anticipation of the farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march scheduled for February 13.

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Concrete blocks and iron nails have been put in place to fortify the borders, aiming to prevent vehicles carrying protesters from entering the city. These stringent measures have disrupted traffic movement in the border areas of Delhi on Monday morning, leading to inconvenience for commuters.

What's allowed or not allowed during Section 144

Here are the key directives outlined in the order:

1) Prohibition of Protest Rallies and Public Meetings: Any form of protest rally or public meeting involving more than five people is prohibited unless specific permission has been obtained. Additionally, marches for political, social, or any other purpose are barred.

2) Restrictions on Vehicles: Tractor trolleys or trucks transporting people or materials, especially those carrying sticks or items that could be used as weapons, are not allowed to enter Delhi.

3) Ban on Dangerous Items: Collecting or carrying explosives, boulders, acid, petrol, soda water bottles, or any item that could pose a danger to others is strictly prohibited.

4) Regulations for Processions: Wedding and funeral processions, as well as religious rallies, are permitted with prior permission from the relevant authority. However, the use of amplifiers or loudspeakers on any private vehicle, building, or public area is prohibited unless specifically authorized.

5) Vehicle Inspections: Vehicles moving between Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi will undergo thorough inspections at checkpoints to ensure compliance with regulations.

6) Prohibition of Provocative Messages: Disseminating any provocative slogan or message through verbal, written, or electronic means is deemed unlawful and subject to criminal prosecution.

The Delhi Police emphasises that non-compliance with these orders will result in criminal prosecution under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to disobedience of orders issued by public servants.