NOIDA: Prohibitory orders imposed under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) by the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration. Source say that the orders will be in place till the end of April to prevent any untoward incidents. Section 144 prohibits assembly of five or more persons at one place even as vote counting and election results are scheduled for Saturday and then by a number of festivals and the upcoming board exams. Authorities have instructed all Police officials and sub divisional magistrates (SDMs) to hold meetings with local communities and take them into confidence. “The administration is preparing itself to handle any unforeseen circumstances arising from election results, and to maintain harmony during festivals”, Additional district magistrate, Kumar Vineet said. Prohibitory orders will be in force in the entire district from Thursday till April 29, officials say. On March 11 (Saturday) counting for the UP assembly elections is slated to take place, followed by Holi on March 12 (Monday), Dulhandi on March 13, Ramnavmi on April 4, Mahaveer Jayanti on April 8, Hazrat Ali’s birth anniversary (Yaum-e-Ali) on April 11, and Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14. Vineet said, “In some areas law and order can become tense after the announcement of election results on March 11 and there are several religious festivals lined up in March and April, so it was decided to impose Section 144 in the district for two months. We want people to celebrate festivals in peace”.]]>
