Mumbai Police enforces Section 144 amid terror threats

The flying of drones, remote-controlled microlight aircraft, paragliders, para motors, hand gliders and hot air balloons over the city will be banned for 30 days.

The Mumbai police enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) from December 20 to January 18. According to reports, the police received inputs from intelligence agencies about potential terror strikes, especially targeting VVIPs.

The move aims at curbing 'terrorist and anti-national elements' by making use of objects such as drones and paragliders. According to the order, terrorist and anti-national elements might likely make use of drones, paragliders, etc., in their attacks, thereby targeting VVIPs and endangering the public.

Flying of such objects is permitted for aerial surveillance by the police or under specific permission in writing by the deputy commissioner of police (operations), as reported by the news agency PTI.

"It has become necessary that certain restrictions should be put on the activities of such elements across the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate to prevent probable sabotages through drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, and paragliders, for which some preventive and proactive measures need to be taken to prevent the same," stated the order.

Also read: Mumbai terror attacks: As 15 years go by, tributes pour in for martyrs, victims of 26/11

The order under Section 144 bans the assembly of four or more persons, coming ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities. The flying of such objects will be allowed for aerial surveillance by the police or under specific permission in writing by the deputy commissioner of police (operations). The Mumbai Police said those found violating the order would be penalized under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

The directive comes days ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations that draw large crowds across the city.
Also read: Mumbai terror attacks: As 15 years go by, tributes pour in for martyrs, victims of 26/11

What is Section 144?

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 authorizes the Executive Magistrate of any state or territory to issue an order to prohibit the assembly of four or more people in an area. According to the law, every member of such an 'unlawful assembly' can be booked for engaging in rioting. Section 144 is imposed in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger of some event that has the potential to cause trouble or damage to human life or property. Section 144 of CrPC generally prohibits public gatherings. Section 144 has been used in the past to impose restrictions as a means to prevent protests that can lead to unrest or riots. The orders to impose Section 144 have been conferred to the Executive Magistrate when there is an emergency.

Duration of Section 144 order

No order under Section 144 shall remain in force for more than two months, but the state government can extend the validity for two months and a maximum of up to six months. It can be withdrawn at any point in time if the situation becomes normal."