Mumbai Police Prohibitory Orders: What Is Allowed and What Is Not From July 23 to August 6

Mumbai Police has imposed prohibitory orders across the city from July 23 to August 6, restricting unlawful assemblies of five or more people amid concerns over protests linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement and demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak. The order also follows multiple protests held in solidarity with the student movement in Delhi.

The police have stepped up deployment across Mumbai after registering eight FIRs against around 900 people in connection with recent demonstrations. Authorities said the restrictions were imposed to prevent any breach of peace and maintain public order. Why Mumbai Police Imposed Restrictions From July 23 to August 6.

Why Has Mumbai Police Imposed Prohibitory Orders?

According to the police order, authorities received information indicating a "likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility" and "grave danger to human lives and loss of properties."

The restrictions have been issued under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, which empowers the police to prohibit specific activities to prevent disorder. Why Prakash Ambedkar Has Called for Maharashtra Bandh on July 23.

What Is Not Allowed?

Once the prohibitory orders come into effect, the following activities will not be permitted without prior permission:

• Assembly of five or more persons.
• Use of loudspeakers, amplifying instruments and musical bands.
• Bursting of firecrackers during processions.

The order also prohibits:

• Carrying arms or explosives.
• Display of corpses or effigies.
• Public speeches, slogans, songs or music that may disturb public order.
• Display or distribution of placards, symbols, pictures or other material that authorities believe could undermine security or public order.

What Is Allowed?

The prohibitory orders do not apply to several routine and essential activities.

The following are exempt:

• Wedding ceremonies and matrimonial functions.
• Funeral processions.
• Statutory meetings of clubs, companies and cooperative societies.
• Cinema halls.
• Assemblies around courts and government offices for official work.
• Schools and colleges conducting regular academic activities.

As a result, educational institutions, routine business operations and public transport are expected to function normally unless separate directions are issued.

What Happens If Someone Violates The Order?

If a protest is held without permission during the restriction period, police can register cases under:

• Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience of a lawful order.
• Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
• Sections 189 and 190 of the BNS relating to unlawful assembly.

Depending on the circumstances, police may also invoke provisions related to wrongful restraint if protesters are found to have obstructed public roads.

Typically, those detained during such protests are taken to police stations, released later and served notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) requiring them to appear before a court after a chargesheet is filed.

Previous Cases Have Been Withdrawn

In 2022, the Maharashtra Home Department issued a Government Resolution allowing the withdrawal of cases arising out of political and social agitations, subject to certain conditions.

The policy covered cases where there was no loss of life and damage to public property did not exceed ₹5 lakh. Several cases, including some linked to the CAA protests and political demonstrations, were subsequently withdrawn.

What Have Courts Said About Such Restrictions?

The right to peaceful protest is protected under Article 19(1) of the Constitution, although the State can impose reasonable restrictions under specific circumstances.

The Supreme Court examined the issue of prolonged prohibitory orders in the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan vs Union of India case after central Delhi remained under continuous restrictions.

The court observed that a blanket ban through Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) "has the effect of a permanent injunction on the right to hold peaceful protests."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).