Pune Police issues prohibitory orders ahead of Valentine's Day

Pune, Feb 5 (ANI): Ahead of Valentine's Day, Pune Police has issued prohibitory orders, under Section 144 of the IPC till February 15, which prohibits assembly of five or more persons or holding of public meetings.

Police said their seven-point guideline is just a re-inforcement of existing laws.

"I am not saying that you celebrate or don't celebrate, that choice is yours. I have never said, choice is yours but don't take law in your hand," said Rajendra Sonawane, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Pune city.

As per the circular released on February 2, police have justified the orders, saying they would prevent untoward incidents before or during Valentine's Day by miscreants.

Youth in Pune condemned the order, saying that probably it's easier for the police to bar students than to control committees of self-styled moral police who go on a rampages. "I feel that it's easier to prohibit the students rather than to stop any social committee. So I believe it's easier for police to bar students from celebrations than to stop the moral policemen," said Reema Mahajan, a student.

"Ours is a democratic country, so whatever we want to do, we will do it. They cannot stop or guide us about things, which we should, and what we shouldn't. We can got out and celebrate Valentine's Day with a friend or with our family as well. I don't think there's anything wrong in it," added Atul Arora, another student. (ANI)