Section 144 In Noida, Greater Noida From Sep 6-15 To 'Maintain Peace And Harmony': UP Police

Section 144 has been imposed in Noida and Greater Noida in an effort to "maintain peace and harmony" during upcoming festivals and significant public gatherings, the UP Police stated.

The Uttar Pradesh police announced on Tuesday the enforcement of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Noida and Greater Noida in an effort to "maintain peace and harmony" during upcoming festivals and significant public gatherings. This measure restricts unlawful assembly and will be in effect from September 6 to 15. During this period, religious activities such as puja, namaz, processions, or any other religious event will not be permitted in public spaces or on roads.

In exceptional circumstances, individuals must seek permission from the Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, or Deputy Commissioner of Police for their respective areas, according to a police statement, cited by news agency PTI.

As per PTI's report, the police have implemented this order in anticipation of upcoming festivals, including Janmashtami on September 6-7, Chehallum on September 7, and the Dronacharya Mela in Greater Noida on September 12. Additionally, several competitive exams and significant farmer meetings are scheduled in the district before September 15.

"In view of the above, the possibility of disturbing the peace by anti-social elements cannot be ruled out. Apart from this, from time to time, various examinations, programs are also [being] organized by the government, various commissions, councils, etc., regarding which information is given some time before the due date, and appropriate measures are also taken to conduct them safely," stated the police in a press release, as quoted by PTI.

"At present, peace can be disturbed due to protests by various (political) party workers, Indian farmer organizations, and various protesters," the release added.

Therefore, to "maintain peace and harmony" in Gautam Buddh Nagar, it is "necessary to prevent any mischievous elements from carrying out such activities which may create a possibility of creating an adverse environment," the police mentioned.

CrPC Section 144 prohibits unlawful assemblies of five or more individuals and unauthorized public events, including religious and political processions.

Given the "seriousness and urgency" of the situation and the limited time available, it is “not possible to provide opportunity of hearing to any other party”, hence this order is being passed, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Hridesh Katheria, stated in the CrPC section 144 order.

The order explicitly states that no person may organise a procession involving five or more individuals, create a group of five or more individuals in a public place, or join such a group without prior permission from the Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, or Deputy Commissioners of Police. The rule can be relaxed as needed for government-permitted programs, according to the order.

Drone cameras will be entirely prohibited within a one-kilometer radius above and around government offices. Shooting or photography using any type of drone camera at other locations will also be prohibited without the permission of the Commissioner of Police and the Additional Commissioner of Police, the order stipulated.

The use of loudspeakers at religious sites, public events, and processions will be permitted only within sound levels authorized by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court and during the permissible time slot from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The order additionally specifies that loudspeakers installed at religious places such as temples, mosques, churches, or gurdwaras will be limited to the premises of the religious institution.