“To Ensure Peace and Harmony, Section 144 Enforced in Noida and Greater Noida, Restricting Public Religious Activities During Upcoming Festivals and Public Meetings”
Noida, Uttar Pradesh: In a bid to “maintain peace and harmony” during the forthcoming festivals, public gatherings, and events in the region, the district police in Noida and Greater Noida have enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This order, effective from September 6 to September 15, imposes restrictions on unlawful assemblies and prohibits religious activities such as puja (worship) and namaz (Islamic prayer), processions, or any religious gatherings at public places or on roads. In exceptional circumstances, permission must be obtained from the Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, or Deputy Commissioner of Police in the respective area, according to a statement issued by the police.
This action has been taken in anticipation of several events, including Janmashtami on September 6-7, Chehallum on September 7, and Dronacharya Mela in Greater Noida on September 12. Additionally, competitive exams and significant farmers’ meetings are scheduled to take place in the district before September 15.
The police statement explains, “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.”
The statement further mentions concerns about potential disruptions caused by protests from political parties, farmer organizations, and other protesters. Therefore, to “maintain peace and harmony” in Gautam Buddh Nagar, it is deemed “necessary to prevent any mischievous elements from carrying out such activities which may create a possibility of creating an adverse environment.”
Under Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibitory orders restrict unlawful assemblies of five or more people and unauthorized public events, including religious and political processions. Due to the urgency of the situation and time constraints, the order has been issued without providing an opportunity for a hearing to any other party, as stated by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Hridesh Katheria in the CrPC Section 144 order.
As per the order, no individual is allowed to organize any procession of five or more persons or form a group of five or more people in a public place without prior permission from the Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, or Deputy Commissioners of Police. Exceptions can be made for government-sanctioned programs.
The use of drone cameras for filming is entirely prohibited within a one-kilometer radius above and around government offices. Shooting or photography with any type of drone camera at other locations is also restricted without permission from the Commissioner of Police and the Additional Commissioner of Police, according to the order.
Additionally, the use of loudspeakers at religious places, public events, and processions is allowed only within the noise levels permitted by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court and during the designated time slot from 10 pm to 6 am. The order specifies that loudspeakers at religious sites, such as temples, mosques, churches, or gurdwaras, will be subject to these regulations.
