Mumbai Police enforces Section 144 till January 18 due to intelligence on terror threats

Amidst concerns raised by intelligence agencies regarding potential terror strikes, particularly targeting VVIPs, Mumbai Police has implemented preventive measures under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The order, effective from December 20 to January 18, 2024, prohibits gatherings of four or more individuals and comes in anticipation of Christmas and New Year festivities.Dolphy D'Souza of the Bombay Catholic Sabha reassured that the order would not impact Christmas

The police explained that the preventive order has become necessary because of the likelihood of the use of drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders etc by terrorists/anti-national elements. It states that while VVIPs could be the targets terrorist elements might endanger the life of the public at large, destroy public property and cause disturbance to law and order in the metropolis. 

Violation of this order will result in punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. Notably, this prohibition comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns about the security of VVIPs, making it a significant and targeted measure to mitigate potential risks.