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Mumbai Imposes Prohibitory Orders Till August 6 After NEET Protest Fallout; Police Warn Against Unauthorised Gatherings
Following recent demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak, Mumbai Police have enforced prohibitory orders across the city until August 6, citing intelligence inputs and the need to maintain public order.
Mumbai Police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city from Thursday until August 6, restricting unlawful assemblies and several protest-related activities in the wake of recent demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
The restrictions have been issued under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, with authorities stating that the measures are intended to prevent any breach of peace and ensure public safety.
According to police, intelligence inputs suggested the possibility of disturbances and threats to life and property, prompting the decision to tighten security across the city.
Security Strengthened Across Mumbai
The prohibitory orders come after protests were held in support of a campaign demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities.
Police have increased deployment at sensitive locations across Mumbai to prevent any fresh law-and-order issues during the period the restrictions remain in force.
Earlier, Mumbai Police had registered eight FIRs against nearly 900 people in connection with demonstrations linked to the alleged examination irregularities.
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What the Prohibitory Orders Restrict
Under the notification, several activities have been prohibited during the enforcement period, including:
- Carrying arms, weapons or explosives.
- Unlawful public assemblies without permission.
- Public slogans, speeches, songs and music linked to demonstrations.
- Displaying effigies, placards, banners, symbols or pictures that authorities believe could disturb public order, affect public decency or morality, or pose a threat to the security of the State.
The restrictions will remain in force until August 6, unless modified or withdrawn by the authorities.
Police Warn of Legal Action
Authorities have cautioned that organising or participating in protests without prior permission could result in legal proceedings.
According to the police, action may be taken under:
- Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobeying lawful orders.
- Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
- Sections 189 and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with unlawful assemblies and related offences.
Police have urged citizens to comply with the restrictions and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain peace.
Background
The enhanced security measures follow large-scale demonstrations held on July 20, when thousands of students and protesters marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament to demand accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related concerns.
Authorities have maintained that the prohibitory orders are precautionary in nature and are aimed at preventing any disruption to public order while ensuring the safety of residents.
