Kolkata police impose Section 163 to prevent disruptions during Immersion Carnival
Times of India | 15 October 2024
KOLKATA: The Kolkata Police has implemented Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in nine key areas of the city, starting from Tuesday.
One of these locations is Rashmoni Avenue, near the protest site outside the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The purpose of this action is to prohibit the unauthorized assembly of five or more individuals in the specified regions.
The primary objective behind this decision is to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions during the Immersion Carnival, which is set to occur on Red Road today.
In its official statement, Kolkata Police said, "It is necessary for preventing danger, obstruction or inconvenience to the public in connection with the 'Immersion Carnival' on Red Road, Kolkata on October 15.
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According to the order, which was issued on October 14, to ensure immediate prevention of breach of peace, disturbances of the public tranquillity in the said area in view of the larger public interest, no rallies, meetings, processions, dharna, demonstrations, or gatherings will be permitted in the designated areas.
"The Hon'ble Court, vide solemn order dated 11.10.2024, as passed in W.
P.
A No. 26007 of 2024, was pleased to direct that none shall disrupt the carnival which the government has organised, as part of its yearly ritual," the order read.
Manoj Kumar Verma, the commissioner of police in Kolkata and an Executive Magistrate for the Kolkata Metropolitan area and South 24 Parganas, has issued a prohibition on gatherings of five or more people in the designated areas. The order bans rallies, processions, and demonstrations, and it also forbids individuals from carrying weapons, such as lathis, that could provoke violence.
"Any act contravening this order shall be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023," the statement warned.
The order, effective today, will be enforced across key locations in the city to maintain public peace during the Immersion Carnival.
Meanwhile, a planned protest called the "Droho Carnival" is anticipated to occur at Rani Rashmoni Avenue or in its surrounding areas. The police have indicated that the carnival is likely to "cause large-scale disturbance of public tranquility and breach of peace.