Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' Protest: Section 144 Imposed in Delhi

With more than 200 farmers” unions gearing up for the “Dilli Chalo” march from Punjab on Monday, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) have been enforced in the state of Delhi. Under the law, large gatherings have been banned ahead of the farmers” “Delhi Chalo” march on February 13, citing maintaining law and order.

An order issued by the Delhi Police stated that the protestors are likely to sit at the Delhi border till their demands are met. “A precautionary Order of section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, is required to be issued to save the lives and property in the area,” read the order issued by the Delhi Police.

Unless withdrawn earlier, the order will remain in force till 12 March 2023.

Under the order, any form of protest rally or public meeting with more than five people is prohibited unless received special permission. Marches for political, social or any other purpose is prohibited. Carrying any form of explosives, acid, petrol or any item that can be used as a weapon is not allowed to enter Delhi. Tractors transporting people or materials that could be used as a weapon is barred from entering.

Religious rallies, wedding and funeral processions are allowed as long as they are organized after permission from authority responsible, however, the use of loudspeakers or amplifiers on any private vehicle or a public are is prohibited unless special permission is given.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 has been imposed at Delhi”s Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri borders, ahead of the protest march. Barricades have been put up by the police and DCP-level officers have been deployed at the border sites to ensure law and order is maintained. Vehicles entering or exiting Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi will undergo thorough inspection at checkpoints. Dissemination of provocative slogans or messages – verbal, written or electronic – will be considered unlawful.

Non-compliance of the order will lead to criminal prosecution under Section 188 which says disobedience of an order issued by a public servant.

On February 13, several farmers associations from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab have called for the march to demand a law ensuring minimum support price (MSP) for their produce. This was one of the conditions the farmers had placed when they agreed to withdraw in 2021.