Shillong, Oct 31: The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District today has promulgated section 144 CrPC with an aim to prevent gathering of NGO, Group or unwanted element fro misusing the rallies.
In the order issued today mention that, whereas, it has been observed that several NGOs, groups or organisers carry out processions and rallies within the city limits of Shillong from time to time for protesting against various issues.
And whereas it has been seen that the organisers do not comply with either one or many of the conditions imposed by this authority; And whereas, such processions also cause severe inconvenience and disturbance to commuters, pedestrians, school-children, parents and the public at large.
And whereas, in one such rally held in Shillong on 28th October 2022, several incidents of assault of commuters and vandalism of vehicles took place, which have caused a fear psychosis amongst the public at large; And whereas it is learnt that other NGOs and groups are also planning similar events such as ‘surprise rallies’ within the limits of Shillong City.
“Now, therefore, I, Smt. Isawanda Laloo, IAS, District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills Shillong, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 144 Cr.PC, and with a aim to prevent any NGO, group or untoward elements from blatantly misusing such rallies processions to indulge in criminal acts thereby disrupting public order.
Any other such acts which cause severe inconvenience to the public at large, do hereby prohibit as under, The assembly of 5 or more people for the purpose of any rally or procession within the whole Shillong City limits, including the Shillong Urban Agglomeration area.
The movement of an assembly of 5 or more people in any rally or procession within the whole Shillong City limits, including the Shillong Urban Agglomeration area. Any violation of the said order will attract penal provisions under Section 188 of the IPC, and any other as deemed fit and appropriate.
In view of the urgency of the matter, this order is being passed ex parte and it shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force until further orders, This Order does not apply to religious processions which have obtained due permission from this authority and undertake to strictly adhere to conditions given.
