Udaipur, November 27, 2024: District Collector and District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Poswal has implemented the provisions of Section 163 of the Indian National Security Code around the City Palace area in Udaipur to maintain public peace.

The order issued yesterday said that prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 500-meter radius from Jagdish Chowk up to the Rangniwas Tourist Police Station, which falls within the boundaries of Ghantaghar and Surajpol Police Stations. The order further states that the prohibitory orders have been imposed following a November 25 dispute between members of the former royal family of Mewar, namely Maharana Vishvaraj Singh Mewar and members of the former royal family residing at City Palace, regarding the former’s visit to Dhuni Mata temple within City Palace. The dispute has led to a law-and-order situation in the city as  a result of which these measures are necessary to maintain public peace.

Using the powers granted under Section 163 of the Indian National Security Code, the Collector has announced the following measures:

1. Gatherings: No person shall gather in groups of five or more within the 500-meter radius from Jagdish Chowk and up to Rangnivas Tourist Police Station, which falls under the jurisdiction of Ghantaghar and Surajpol Police Stations. Public and government offices, as well as schools, will be exempted from this restriction. Any gatherings outside these locations will require special permission from the Additional District Magistrate Udaipur or the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
2. Weapons and Explosives: No person shall carry or display any kind of explosive material, dangerous chemicals, firearms such as revolvers, pistols, rifles, B.L.N. guns, M.L. guns, swords, knives, spears, kirpans, daggers or any other sharp weapons in public places within the specified area. This also applies to other prohibited weapons and heavy weapons such as lathis.
   • (a) These restrictions do not apply to duty-bound personnel from the Border Security Force, Rajasthan Armed Police or Rajasthan Civil Police, or other law enforcement officers on duty.
   • (b) Sikh individuals will be allowed to carry a kirpan as per their religious tradition.
   • (c) Elderly or physically disabled individuals who require support to walk may carry a stick for assistance.
   • (d) People are not permitted to bring or display any of the aforementioned weapons or objects in public areas.
3. Sound Amplification Devices: Use of loudspeakers, amplifiers or sound systems are prohibited. In exceptional circumstances, such equipment can only be used with the permission of the concerned Executive Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Additional District Magistrate.
4. Communal or Provocative Speech: No person will be allowed to raise any communal or inflammatory slogans, deliver speeches that provoke hatred, or distribute pamphlets, posters or other materials promoting such content. The use of loudspeakers, radios, tape recorders, loudspeakers, audio-video cassettes and other electronic devices for such purposes is strictly prohibited.
5. Social Media and Internet: No person shall spread religious or communal hatred, caste-based discrimination or misinformation through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc.
6. Defacing Public and Government Property: No person shall write slogans or symbols on public or government property, nor put up posters, hoardings or engage in any act that defaces public or government property.

Poswal further said that, given the current situation, these restrictive orders are to be implemented immediately. As these orders are issued under Section 163 (2) of the Indian National Security Code 2023, they are being enforced unilaterally without prior notice.

These orders were effective from yesterday, November 26, 2024, and will remain in force until further notice. The District Magistrate has instructed all citizens to comply with these orders and avoid any violations. Violaters will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code 2023.