Section 144 Cr. P.C. Imposed in City: Rally Ground Earmarked for Processions, Rallies and Dharnas

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 13^th June:- The Chandigarh Administration has earmarked the Rally Ground, Sector 25, Chandigarh for taking out processions, rallies, dharnas, etc. and no permission has been granted by the Chandigarh Administration to organize processions, rallies, dharnas, etc. elsewhere in the city other than the designated location, i.e., Rally Ground, Sector 25, Chandigarh and the same has been done to avoid traffic congestion, keeping in view of the convenience of the general public.

However it has been made to appear to Ajit Balaji Joshi, District Magistrate, Chandigarh that certain group of people plan to organize processions, rallies, dharnas, etc., and resort to other agitation methods in the city other than the earmarked/designated place i.e. Rally Ground, Sec 25, Chandigarh and whereas, there is an apprehension that such groups/organizations/unions may cause obstruction, annoyance or injury to the persons lawfully employed or other general public and endanger human life and property, disturb public peace and tranquility and cause riots and affrays.

In view of the same Ajit Balaji Joshi, District Magistrate, Chandigarh, is of the opinion that taking out procession, rally, protest, strike, making speeches, raising slogans, gathering/assembly of 5 or more people etc. within the territory of U.T., Chandigarh other than Rally Ground, Sec 25, Chandigarh, would cause obstruction, annoyance or injury to persons lawfully employed or other general public, disturb public peace and tranquility and cause riots and affrays and that immediate action is necessary for the prevention of the same.

Therefore Ajit Balaji Joshi, District Magistrate, Chandigarh, in exercise of the power vested u/s 144 of Cr. P.C., has hereby ordered that as a measure of emergency, the public in general or any member thereof is prohibited from taking out procession, rally, protest, strike, making speeches, raising slogans, gathering/assembly of 5 or more people etc. within the territory of U.T., Chandigarh other than Rally Ground, Sec 25, Chandigarh, for a period of 60 days.

Further, prior permission for organizing procession, rally, protest, strike, making speeches, raising slogans, gathering/assembly of 5 or more people etc. at Rally Ground, Sector 25, Chandigarh must be obtained from the Competent Authority, i.e., the District Magistrate/concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate, U.T., Chandigarh.