Maha Kumbh 2025: Prohibitory orders issuesd in Prayagraj till Feb 28 to maintain law & order

In light of multiple festivities and competitive examinations scheduled during the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, and to ensure there are no disturbances to public peace and order in Prayagraj district, a prohibitory order has been issued by the competent authority until February 28.

The order, announced on Friday by the Additional Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, comes under Section-163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023 (also known as Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023).

The ACP highlighted that several key religious festivals and events are set to take place, including the Mahakumbh 2025/Amrit Snan, Republic Day, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Sant Ravidas Jayanti, Maghi Purnima, Valentine's Day, Shab-e-Barat, Mahashivratri, among others, along with competitive examinations.

With the district's communal sensitivity in mind, the ACP explained that information from reliable sources indicated that anti-social elements might attempt to cause disruptions, and thus there is an urgent need to maintain peace during these critical times.

To ensure the smooth and peaceful celebration of these festivals and the conduction of exams, the official announcement stressed that it is necessary to prevent any actions that could be instigated by anti-social elements. Due to the gravity of the situation, the prohibitory order has been issued without hearing or notifying any parties in advance.

This order will be effective across the Prayagraj Commissionerate from January 16 to February 28, 2025.

The order includes the following key provisions:

1. No individual or group is allowed to organize any events, processions, fasts, demonstrations, or block roads without permission from the competent authority. Publicity for such events is also prohibited.
2. Protests are only permitted at the designated protest site near Patthar Church at Civil Lines Police Station.
3. Drone usage is prohibited during religious events within the Prayagraj Commissionerate area, except for those used for police and administrative purposes.
4. The carrying of lathis, sticks, axes, or any lethal weapons is banned, except for authorized personnel. Individuals are also prohibited from entering any government or non-government offices with weapons or licensed firearms.
5. Provocative speeches or publications that could hurt religious sentiments are prohibited.
6. Spreading rumors or posting misleading, sensitive content on social media that may cause unrest is forbidden.
7. The sale, play, or display of audio/video material that may create tension among the public is banned.
8. Damaging private or government property will not be tolerated.
9. There shall be no forcible closure of industrial/commercial establishments, and disruptions to the normal functioning of government offices, factories, and essential services will not be allowed.
10. Buses and vehicles of U.P.R.S.P.N. cannot be stopped or damaged.
11. Obstructing public roads or traffic flow is prohibited, and individuals are not allowed to incite others to do so.

The Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue until February 26, with significant bathing dates including January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

The prohibitory order aims to maintain order and ensure peaceful participation during these important events.