After Pune, Section 163 Imposed In Mumbai For 15 Days; Order Effective From July 23 To August 6

After Pune, Mumbai police have also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS)  starting from July 23 to August 6. The directive imposes a ban on the gathering of five or more people at a particular location without official permission. The move comes in order to maintain law and order in the city. As per the official orders, the step has been initiated to prevent potential breaches of public peace and prevent loss of lives from unruly activities. The restrictions will come into force at 12.01 am on July 23 and remain in effect until midnight on August 6 across areas under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Police Commissioner.

What did cops say?

The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan under the Maharashtra Police Act, also prohibits processions, the use of loudspeakers and amplifying instruments, musical bands, and the bursting of firecrackers during processions. The decision comes amid the possibility of disturbances to public order, danger to human life and damage to property, necessitating preventive measures, he said.

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Recent protests around the country have prompted the authorities to invoke such orders. On Monday, members of the Cockroach Janata Party marched towards the Parliament, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 20 days, demanding accountability for the alleged paper leak in the NEET UG 2026 examination.

Students have staged protests in various parts of Maharashtra as well. Additional police forces will be deployed in sensitive areas, and the situation will be continuously monitored.

The Mumbai Police has appealed to citizens to comply with the orders. As Section 163 remains in force, processions, demonstrations, gatherings, or the assembly of large groups of people without permission are strictly prohibited. Necessary action will be taken against any person who attempts to breach the law.

Pune prohibitory orders

Previously, similar restrictions were imposed in Pune to maintain law and order in the city. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr Prashant Amrutkar claimed the restrictions are being implemented in light of various political parties and social organizations planning protests, demonstrations, and other movements, including the celebration of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Jayanti and other festivals.

The order prohibits gatherings of five or more people without prior permission from the police commissioner, as well as organizing meetings or processions. Additionally, carrying explosives, flammable materials, stones, weapons, swords, spears, sticks, guns, or any other items that could cause physical harm is banned.

Moreover, displaying or burning effigies, chanting provocative slogans, making obscene or objectionable speeches in public, and disseminating materials that could disturb public peace, morality, or state security are also prohibited.