Noida's Religious Ban Extended, No Namaz or Puja in Public Spaces

Noida News: Invoking section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), police in the Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday ordered that no unpermitted religious activity, such as namaz, puja, or processions, would be carried out in public spaces and on roads throughout Noida and Greater Noida. In unavoidable circumstances, approval for holding such events would need to be obtained from the deputy commissioners of police in charge of the three zones of the district, the additional commissioner of police, or the commissioner of police. According to the order made by Additional DCP (law and order), Hirdesh Katheriya, the restrictions under CrPC section 144 would go into effect on July 20 and would last for a total of 15 days until August 3.

Specific Reasons for Imposing Section 144

The limitations have been implemented in light of the forthcoming Muharram, a sporting event with international competitors, a farmers' protest, and competitive examinations taking place in the district during that time, according to the police. "Nobody would form an assembly or carry out a procession or be a part of an assembly having more than five people in any public place, without prior permission from the CP, Additional CP or the DCPs concerned. This rule could be made flexible for programmes permitted by the government," the order stated. The use of such unmanned aerial vehicles for photography or videography at other areas will also require police clearance, it added. Flying drones over or within a one-kilometer radius of government buildings will continue to be strictly prohibited, it added. "At public places and roads, namaz or puja or processions or any other religious activity will remain totally prohibited. In unavoidable situations, permission for holding such activities would have to be taken from the commissioner of police or the additional commissioner of police or the deputy commissioners of police concerned with the three zones of the district," the order stated.

Police Set Strict Guidelines to Avoid Controversy and Maintain Peace during Section 144 Restrictions

A contentious location where praying has not historically taken place will not host religious events, according to the police, who also advised against encouraging people to pray there. "Nobody would insult the religious texts of other faiths. There will be no religious posters, banners, flags on walls of religious places...," the police said in the order. "Nobody would take pigs, dogs or any stray animals near religious places or on routes of permitted processions during religious gatherings to prevent hurting sentiments of any community nor would anyone encourage others to do so," it added. The police also warned that anyone misbehaving with or attacking a police officer, employee of a local authority, sanitation worker, or employee of the health department will face legal repercussions during the duration of the CrPC section 144 restrictions.

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