Use of cyber cafes by unknown persons prohibited

Chandigarh, Jul 17 (UNI) As a security measure, the use of cyber cafes by unknown persons whose identity cannot be established by the cafe owner has been prohibited in the city.

Chandigarh District Magistrate R K Rao issued the order under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code which would be valid upto September 15, 2008.

The order came as it was felt that certain anti-social elements, criminals and terrorists might use cyber cafes to mislead security and investigating agencies, panic public and danger the security of public, VIPs and government institutions.

The cyber cafe might be used by anti-national elements for their activities affecting the security of the state, official sources said.

The owners have been asked to maintain a register for identity of the visitors. The user would make entry in his or her handwriting, giving the details of address, telephone number, identity proof and sign the register kept for this purpose.

The owner of the cafe has been asked to inform the police station about any suspicious activity of the visitor and maintain a record about the specific computer used by the person.

The District Magistrate has also asked employers and residents of Chandigarh to provide the details of contract labourers engaged by them to the concerned police stations.

This order will be effective from zero hour tomorrow to September 15.

Any breach of this order will invite action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

This direction is being issued to uproot criminals and anti social elements, who seek refuge in unorganised sectors by engaging themselves in trades and services such as plying of rickshaws, rehries, auto-rickshaws or running other businesses.

By yet another order, the District Magistrate has asked the residents not to employ any domestic servant, helper without submitting his or her particulars to the concerned Station House Officer. This order will be effective upto September 15, 2008.

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