Mumbai Police Ban Weapons and Explosives Ahead of Festive Season Until Sept 27
Ahead of the upcoming festive season, the Mumbai Police have issued a prohibitory order barring citizens from carrying weapons, explosives, and other potentially harmful objects across the city from August 29 to September 27. The measure has been introduced to maintain public peace and safety during major celebrations.
The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akbar Pathan under the Maharashtra Police Act. The restriction comes ahead of Dahi Handi, scheduled for September 5, and the ten-day Ganesh festival, which begins on September 14.
Under the directive, individuals are prohibited from carrying arms, including swords, spears, knives, sticks, lathis, and any other articles capable of causing physical harm, unless specifically permitted by a competent authority. The ban also applies to the possession of corrosive substances and explosives, as well as the collection or preparation of stones, missiles, or devices designed to launch projectiles.
In addition to physical weapons, the order places restrictions on the public exhibition of persons, corpses, figures, or effigies. It also prohibits public utterances, speeches, songs, music, gestures, mimetic representations, pictures, placards, or symbols that a police officer deems offensive to decency or morality, subversive to security, or likely to undermine the state.
Police personnel have been authorised to disarm anyone found in possession of prohibited items and to seize explosives, missiles, or corrosive materials. Any confiscated items may be forfeited to the state government.
Certain exemptions apply to the directive. Government employees and personnel of government undertakings who must carry weapons as part of their official duties are exempt. Additionally, private security personnel, including chowkidars and Gurkhas performing watch-and-ward responsibilities, are permitted to carry lathis not exceeding 3.5 feet in length.
Police officials stated that the expiry of the prohibition period will not impact any investigations or legal actions initiated for violations committed while the order was active. Penalties and legal consequences can still be imposed after the order lapses.
