Section 163 Imposed in Lucknow Till November 13, 2024: Here's Why

Section 163 Imposed in Lucknow Till November 13, 2024: Here's Why

The Lucknow district administration has announced the imposition of Section 163, which was previously known as Section 144. This preventive measure will remain in effect until 13th November 2024, ensuring public safety during the upcoming festival season. Festivals like Anant Chaturdashi, Vishwakarma Puja, Sharadiya Navratri, Dussehra, Deepawali, and Chhath Puja are celebrated from September to November, and this restriction aims to maintain law and order during this festive period.

Why Section 163 Has Been Imposed in Lucknow

Section 163 has been implemented in Lucknow to manage large gatherings and ensure safety during the festive season. The decision is based on several security concerns:

1. The potential for overcrowding in public places during processions.
2. Noise pollution due to festival celebrations.
3. Increased demand for essential goods, making it necessary to verify workers and tenants for security reasons.

Both employers and landlords must adhere to these rules, with penalties imposed for non-compliance.

Detailed Breakdown: What is Section 163?

Section 163 is a modification of the earlier Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), aimed at preventing mass gatherings and possible disturbances to public peace. This legal provision allows the district administration to impose restrictions on the movement and gathering of individuals, especially in sensitive areas or during times when public safety might be at risk.

Under Section 163:

• Gathering of five or more individuals in public spaces is prohibited.
• It is illegal to conduct public processions or protests without prior approval from the authorities.
• Violating these orders can lead to arrest, fines, or both.

The section also mandates background verification of workers and tenants, ensuring that only verified individuals are employed or housed during this period.

New Rules: Do's and Don'ts Under Section 163

The district administration has issued strict guidelines to maintain peace and security. Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not under Section 163:

Do’s	Don'ts
Background checks for workers and tenants	No gatherings of five or more people in public spaces
Landlords must verify tenants via police	No protests or processions without prior approval
Employers to conduct police verification	No loudspeakers between 10 PM and 6 AM in religious places

Complete List of Restrictions Under Section 163

1. Gathering Restrictions: Public gatherings of more than five people are banned. This includes public protests and processions.

1. Loudspeaker Ban: Use of loudspeakers in religious places is restricted between 10 PM to 6 AM, preventing noise pollution during the night

1. No Stone or Brick Collection: Accumulating bricks or stones on rooftops is prohibited, likely to prevent the risk of throwing objects during any unrest.

1. Limited Protest Sites: Protests can only take place at designated areas like Eco Garden, ensuring demonstrations are controlled and monitored by authorities.

1. Drone Ban in Sensitive Areas: Flying drones near high-security zones and important offices is strictly prohibited to prevent potential threats.

Why Police Verification is Mandatory

The festival season witnesses a significant influx of temporary workers and tenants in the city. In light of the heightened risk, the Lucknow district administration has made it mandatory for companies supplying essential goods to conduct police background checks for all employees. Similarly, landlords are required to have their tenants verified by the police before renting out their property. This rule ensures that individuals with a clean record are employed or housed, minimizing security risks.

Penalties for Violating Section 163

Both employers and landlords can face hefty fines or legal action if they fail to adhere to the verification process. The district administration has made it clear that safety will not be compromised, and violators will be dealt with strictly.

Conclusion

With the festive season approaching, the imposition of Section 163 in Lucknow is a necessary step to ensure peace and security. Residents and businesses alike must comply with the guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure a safe environment during this celebratory time.

For more updates on the enforcement of Section 163, stay tuned to official announcements from the Lucknow district administration.

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FAQs:

Q1: When will Section 163 be lifted in Lucknow?
A: Section 163 will remain in effect till 13th November 2024.

Q2: What happens if someone violates the Section 163 rules?
A: Violators can face arrest, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

Q3: Why are police verifications mandatory during this period?
A: Police verifications are mandatory to ensure public safety, particularly during the busy festive season, reducing the risk of employing or housing individuals with a criminal background.