Apprehension of breach of peace; Section 144 CrPC imposed in Cachar, Karimganj & Hailakandi

June 12: In three separate orders, Section 144 of CrPC was clamped in the districts of Cachar, Karimganj & Hailakandi. The orders were issued on 12 June and 10 June respectively by Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj district administration.

In an order issued by Dipak Jidung, Additional District Magistrate, Cachar on 12 June, 2022, it was stated that mass rallies and protests are being organised in various parts of the district since the last few days involving huge gatherings, wherein some persons may indulge in anti-social activities and intimidate genuine public causing annoyance. He further apprehended that this may lead to breach of public peace and tranquility.

In the order issued by Dipak Jidung in his capacity as Additional District Magistrate, Cachar on 12 July, U/S 144 of CrPC certain restrictions were ordered to be observed in the district:

1. Prohibit assembly of 5(five) or more persons in any place of Cachar district
2. No person shall carry arms, weapons, explosives. lathis. spears, stones or any other lethal weapons which can cause Injury, except by Army, Para -Military Forces, Police on duty .
3. No person/ organisations shall take out any procession /Rallies agitational protest or hold any public meeting without specific permission from the District Magistrate /Addl District Magistrate, Cachar, Silchar
4. No person shall burst any cracker/ bombs/ other sound producing materials and display any fireworks in public places and thoroughfares
5. No person/ organisations shall use any loudspeaker/ microphone/ sound amplifying devices etc without obtaining specific permission from District Magistrate & Addl. District Magistrate, Cachar.

ADM Dipak Jidung further stated, “Considering the urgency of the circumstances, the order is passed ex-parte. This order comes into force with immediate effect throughout the district of Cachar and shall remain valid until further order.”

Further, in another similar order issued by Rintu Chandra Boro, Additional District Magistrate, Karimganj on 10 June, 2022, it was stated that in view of emerging situation on the law & order front aftermath the controversial statement by a leader and protests have been seen in many places of the Country as reported in various media, there is an ample apprehension of breach of public peace and tranquility, loss of human life and property due to public gathering for the aforementioned purpose in the District.

Therefore, in exercise of the power conferred u/s 144 Cr.P.C. Addl. District Magistrate, Karimganj promulgated prohibitory order as follows

1. No procession / rally / dharna / distribution of leaflets / banners and posters etc. attracting breach of public peace & tranquility will be allowed in the Karimganj District.

Additional District Magistrate, Karimganj  further stated that this order is passed ex-parte in the interest of public peace and tranquility and shall remain in force until further order. Any violation of above order shall invite legal action Under Section 188 of IPC.

Further, on 12 June, 2022 Additional District Magistrate of Hailakandi also passed a similar order wherein it was stated that

1. No procession / rally / dharna / distribution of leaflets / banners and posters etc. attracting breach of public peace & tranquility will be allowed in the Karimganj District.