Kolkata, March 5 The Kolkata Police has imposed a ban on rallies, demonstrations, and other forms of assembly in certain parts of central Kolkata for 60 days to prevent potential disturbances to public peace.
According to a notification issued by Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar, the order has been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Indian Penal Code).
The restriction will remain in effect from March 4 to May 2, or until further orders, it said.
The order was issued following information from credible sources that violent demonstrations could occur, potentially leading to large-scale disturbances and a breach of peace in the area.
The prohibited zone covers areas within the jurisdiction of the Bowbazar police station, the Hare Street police station, and the Headquarters Traffic Guard, stretching from KC Das Crossing to Victoria House, the headquarters of CESC Limited, and adjoining areas, excluding Bentinck Street.
The order prohibits any unlawful assembly of five or more persons and bans the carrying of sticks or any lethal or dangerous weapons in the specified area.
It also prohibits rallies, meetings, processions, dharnas, and demonstrations to ensure "immediate prevention of breach of peace and disturbances of public tranquillity," the notification said.
The police said the restrictions were necessary in the larger public interest and to prevent disruption of vehicular traffic in the busy commercial district.
Since the notice cannot be served individually on all concerned persons, the order has been issued ex parte and will be publicised through the press, the Kolkata Police Gazette, and by affixing copies on notice boards of divisional deputy commissioners' offices and police stations, the notification added.