Chandigarh Issues Emergency Orders to Bolster Public Safety and Security
District Magistrate invokes Section 163 of BNSS, 2023; orders effective till July 3
The Voice of Canada-The Voice of Chandigarh News
In a significant move aimed at enhancing public safety and maintaining law and order, the District Magistrate of Chandigarh has issued six emergency orders under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These orders, effective from May 5 to July 3, 2025, cover a broad spectrum of security-related concerns across the city and are legally enforceable.
Here is a summary of the key directives:
1. Nighttime Safety for Women Employees
Corporate offices, BPOs, and IT firms operating during night hours must ensure proper transport for female employees. Drivers should be verified and vehicles must be GPS-enabled, with no women allowed to be dropped last unless accompanied by a security guard.
2. Mandatory Guest Verification at Hotels and Guesthouses
All hotels, lodges, and guesthouses must maintain a record of identity proofs of guests. The move aims to prevent the misuse of such premises by criminal or anti-national elements.
3. Regulation of Travel Agents
Travel agents operating in the Union Territory must obtain registration and maintain accurate records of their clients. This measure is aimed at curbing visa and immigration-related fraud.
4. Control Over Sale of Military and Police Uniforms
The sale of uniforms and insignia related to the Army, Police, or Paramilitary Forces is now strictly regulated. Vendors must keep detailed records of buyers to prevent misuse by terrorists or impersonators.
5. Restriction on Public Rallies and Gatherings
No public meetings, protests, or processions will be allowed on public roads or near government buildings without prior permission. Designated areas like Sector 25 Rally Ground are to be used for such purposes.
6. Tenant, PG Occupant, and Domestic Help Verification
Landlords, PG owners, and employers of domestic workers must submit personal details of tenants and servants to the local police. This order seeks to strengthen community surveillance and prevent criminal sheltering.
Legal Implications:
Non-compliance with these directives will invite strict action under Section 223 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The administration has emphasized that these measures are preventive in nature and essential to ensure public order and security in the city.
Citizens and institutions are urged to cooperate with law enforcement and adhere strictly to the guidelines during the enforcement period.
