The Hyderabad City Police, led by Commissioner C.V. Anand, has put in place Section 144 across Hyderabad from October 27, 2024, at 6 PM, till November 28, 2024, as a measure to enforce public order since there is an intelligence report about the probable eruption of protests. Know everything that you need to know.
1. Key Points of Hyderabad Section 144 Order
- Commencement Date: It has started from 6 PM onwards on 27 October 2024 up to 28 November 2024.
- Geographic Territory: Section 144 is applied to all police jurisdictions in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
- Objective: Section 144 was imposed in order to stop the public disturbance which would have resulted due to the planned dharnas, rallies, and protest which different organizations and political parties had planned to organize.
2. Valid Reasons to Impose Section 144
- Intelligence Alerts: Intelligence reports provoke threat that various groups, along with political and political factions, are likely to cause disruptions by holding protests shortly.
- Collectives and Assemblies create risks and such assemblies can possibly be formed near sensitive areas like the Secretariat
- Preventive measure: The police act in advance by restricting all kinds of large gatherings so that this situation may not worsen into communal violence and public disturbances.
3. What Section 144 Prohibits
- Limitation on Public Assemblies: No public assembly of five persons is allowed to hold rallies, processions, or public gathering.
- Limitation of Symbolic Expression: Holding placards, banners, flags, or any symbol of disturbance is strictly prohibited.
- Speech and Communication Limitations: Any public speech or gesture, or electronic messaging that might disturb the tranquility of the public place is strictly prohibited.
4. Authorized Places for Protests
Indira Park Dharna Chowk: The only place in town that allows dharnas and protest peacefully.
Ban Elsewhere: There are bans all over town.
Notably, you would never see a dharna in areas close to the Secretariat.
5. Section 144 Exceptions
A few people and scenarios are exempt from these prohibitions
Duties to Perform:
- On duty: policemen, Home Guards and Special Police Officers.
- On Duty Military Staff: Military officials while performing active duties.
- Funeral Processions: Licit funeral processions allowed in terms of guidelines.
- Educational Department Flying Squads: Authorized flying squads performing duty.
- Special Permissions: Within the exception granted by authorities empowered.
6. Response to Violations
- Prosecution Under The Penal Provisions: It is a responsibility to prosecute any individual caught violating orders issued under section 144, and more so around sensitive areas.
- Rigid Enforcements: The Hyderabad City police have announced that they will rigidly enforce to keep law and order in place during this too.
7. Broader Context: Why Section 144 Is Imposed
- Sensitive Political Situation: Section 144 is mainly implemented in Hyderabad on sensitive political or social situations like election, protests, or probable communal unrest.
- Security Measure: Such orders are considered essential steps for securing public order and protection of citizens.
8. Important Points for Locals and Visitors
- Get Alerted: The residents of this place and the tourists visiting here must be informed in case there have been some new orders or even additions by the law enforcing agency.
- Respect Law Enforcement: The enforcing law agency has requested that people respect the restriction as no one should gather in mass and also not accept something unlawful
- Dailies: Such daily activities do not get affected. However, the people who are planning to meet up or for some other event, must be well aware and also adhere to such restrictions.
Hyderabad City Police will take proactively ensured steps to be peacefully in living Hyderabad. Since areas for protesting have least protestation and stricter gathering, the city aims not to enter any escalation stage. Residents and tourists need to understand their obligation toward helping in keeping an area safe so that everyone stays safely here.