Pune Police Impose Section 37 for 14 Days; Gatherings of More Than Five People Prohibited from July 21

Pune: The Pune Police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, across the Pune Police Commissionerate for 14 days, from 12:01 am on July 21 until midnight on August 3, to maintain law and order in the city.

The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr. Prashant Amritkar, has been enforced in view of planned rallies, protests, hunger strikes, political programmes, and upcoming public events, including Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Jayanti.

According to the notification, gatherings of more than five people, public meetings, rallies, and processions will not be permitted without prior approval from the Police Commissioner. The restrictions apply throughout the Pune Police Commissionerate limits.

The order also prohibits individuals from carrying weapons, firearms, swords, spears, sticks, iron rods, explosives, flammable materials, stones, or any object that could be used to cause physical harm or disturb public order.

Additionally, the police have banned the display or burning of effigies, provocative speeches, inflammatory slogans, and the circulation or display of posters, banners, or other material that could incite unrest, disturb public peace, or threaten public safety.

The order also warns against creating or sharing social media content, including reels, that spreads panic, issues threats, glorifies criminal activities, or disturbs law and order. Authorities have stated that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating these provisions.

Pune Police have appealed to citizens to cooperate with the administration, follow the prohibitory orders, and help maintain peace and public order across the city. Officials have also clarified that investigations and legal proceedings against violators may continue even after the restriction period ends.