Noida Enforces Section 144: Restrictions Announced for Lok Sabha Elections and Festivals

Restrictions under CrPC Section 144 will be in place across Noida and Greater Noida until April 26, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. This measure, as per the order by the Gautam Buddh Nagar police, is implemented in anticipation of upcoming festivals such as Chaitra Nav Ratri, Eid, Ambedkar Jayanti, and Ramnavmi, alongside planned protests during this period.

In view of all of this, the possibility of disturbance of peace by anti-social elements cannot be ruled out. In order to maintain peace in Gautam Buddh Nagar, it is necessary that any mischievous elements should be prevented from carrying out such activities which may create an unfavourable environment," the police said in its order, issued Wednesday.

Considering the seriousness and urgency of the situation and due to paucity of time, it is not possible to provide an opportunity of hearing to any other party, hence this order is being passed ex-parte," Additional DCP (law and order) Hirdesh Katheriya stated in the order, issuing restrictions under CrPC section 144 from April 3 to 26. According to the order, unlawful assembly of five or more people, unauthorised processions or demonstrations, including those political or religious, are prohibited.The order also bars the use of private drones in a radius of 1 km of government establishments and bans people from carrying sticks, rods, tridents, swords, and firearms in public places.

Namaz, pooja, or any type of religious processions will be completely prohibited in public places and public routes. In unavoidable circumstances, permission will have to be taken from the police commissioner, or the additional commissioner of police or deputy commissioner of police zone concerned," the order stated.

"No person will neither try nor inspire anyone to offer puja, namaz at disputed sites where the practice is not prevalent. Apart from this, no person will insult each other's religious scriptures. Will not put any kind of religious flags, banners, posters on religious places, walls, nor will he provide assistance to anyone in this work," it added.