Ban orders issued in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 19 (UNI) The Chandigarh Administration has banned the assembly of five or more persons, taking out processions, making speeches, raising slogans, sitting in dharnas and carrying of lathis within the sectors falling north of the Madhya Marg for a period of 60 days, that is till July 17.

This order would also be applicable on the Janmarg stretch from the Cricket Stadium Chowk to Housing Board Chowk including the 'katcha' space on both sides of the area and on the road between Sectors 24 and 25.

A notification in this regard has been issued by the District Magistrate Mr R KRao here today Under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

As per the orders, such a step has been taken as a measure of emergency as carrying out processions, raising slogans, carrying of lathis would cause obstruction, annoyance or injury to persons lawfully employed. It would also disturb public peace and tranquility and cause riots and affrays.

However the order shall not apply to the police or paramilitary persons or any other Government servant on official duty. The processions or meetings for which prior permission in writing of the District Magistrate/Sub Divisional Magistrate, Chandigarh can be obtained are the customary and ritualistic processions in connection with weddings and funerals.

UNI