The police have promulgated Section 30 of the Police Act, 1861, regulating conduct of public meetings, rallies and assemblies in Puducherry region for a period of seven days from March 25.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Rajiv Ranjan issued the orders, asking political parties, organisations and associations to get prior permission from the office of the DIG for licence at least 48 hours in advance. “No person or class of persons shall convene or collect as an assembly or form or take out any procession or stage any public demonstration/ picketing on any road or street or thoroughfare or hold public meeting in Puducherry region, especially within the limits of police stations comprising East sub-division for a period of seven days from March 25 to 31 except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of licence issued by the office of the DIG,” the order stated.
In a notification, Mr. Ranjan said he passed the order after having been satisfied that there was a likelihood of breach of peace in Puducherry region, owing to the proposed agitations/ demonstrations by various political parties/ organisations/associations, which may cause dislocation to traffic, danger to the community and damage/loss to private and public properties and also disturbance to public order.
The order shall not affect marriages, religious and funeral processions and government functions, clarified Mr. Ranjan.
