SAMBA, AUGUST 29: The District Magistrate Samba Anuradha Gupta on Monday imposed Section 144 to prevent rallies and protests on National Highway.
An order issued by the DM reads that the Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No. 3282 of 2020 has directed that the occupation of public ways for protests is not acceptable and the administration should take action to keep such areas clear of encroachments or obstructions. It has been observed that multiple organizations, groups, and individuals try to hold protests, rallies, and dharnas on National Highway, thereby causing obstruction and grave inconvenience to the General Public as the National Highway are a major thoroughfare in the district and these protests, rallies, and dharnas cause major traffic congestion affecting the movement of vehicles on National Highway. It has been made to appear to me, in view of the situation emerging due to such blockades, that there is sufficient ground for proceeding under Section 144 of CrPC for immediate prevention of danger to peace, order, human life, and safety. Section 144 will come into force on August 29 and remain in force for 2 months”.