In response to the farmers’ Delhi Chalo March scheduled for Tuesday, Delhi Police has implemented Section 144 across the national capital as a precautionary measure. This directive, issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora on Monday, entails prohibitory orders for a duration of one month.
Concrete blocks and iron nails have been used to fortify the borders of Delhi, aiming to deter vehicles transporting protesters from entering the city. These measures led to disruptions in traffic movement in the border areas of Delhi on Monday morning, inconveniencing commuters.
Restrictions include a ban on public processions and various other activities including:
- Blocking roads and gathering in groups of five or more people are prohibited.
- Holding rallies or meetings in Delhi, except for specific pre-approved reasons, is not allowed.
- Organizing or participating in processions, demonstrations, or marches on foot, for any reason, is completely banned.
- Vehicles such as tractor trolleys carrying people or materials, especially weapons or tools of violence, are prohibited from entering Delhi.
- Prohibited items in public places include firearms, explosives, corrosive substances, and any dangerous objects that could cause harm.
- Vehicles entering Delhi from neighboring districts will undergo thorough checks at the borders. Those carrying disruptive items like sticks or banners will be denied entry.
- Spreading provocative messages leading to public disorder is illegal.
- Unauthorized use of loudspeakers or amplifiers in vehicles, buildings, or public spaces is prohibited.
- Cooperation with law enforcement for the safety and security of all residents is expected.
- Gatherings for weddings, funerals, or religious functions are permitted with proper authorization.
- Government-organized processions, meetings, or congregations are exempt from these regulations.
Effective from February 12, 2024, for a duration of 30 days until March 12, 2024, inclusive, Delhi enforces several prohibitions and regulations. This order will remain in effect until March 12, 2024, unless revoked earlier.
Delhi Chalo Protest – major agenda remains MSP
Farmers are protesting again, calling it ‘Delhi Chalo’. This time, farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, along with over 200 unions, are marching towards Delhi following inconclusive talks with Union ministers on Monday. Farmer leaders have cited a lack of clarity on legal guarantees for the minimum support price as a key unresolved issue.
In 2020 as well, farmers protested at the borders of Delhi against three laws. These laws were:
- The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act
- The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act
- The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act
These laws were repealed in 2021 due to the protests.
What is Section 144?
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers a district magistrate, a sub-divisional magistrate, or any other executive magistrate specially empowered by the state government in this behalf to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.
This section allows them to direct any person to abstain from a certain act or to take certain order with respect to certain property in their jurisdiction. Its main purpose is to maintain public order and prevent any potential threat to peace and tranquility in an area. Violation of Section 144 can lead to legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.
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