Mumbai restricts gatherings of five or more from September 9 to 23

Mumbai residents planning a public gathering of five or more people between September 9 and 23 will need to account for new prohibitory orders across Brihanmumbai.

Mumbai Police have barred assemblies of five or more people, public processions, and gatherings using loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, musical bands or firecrackers unless they have official permission. The order begins at midnight on September 9 and ends at 11.59pm on September 23.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan issued the order under Section 37(3), read with Section 10(2), of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. Police cited intelligence inputs indicating a possible threat to public peace, human life and property.

The restrictions do not apply to private functions such as weddings, matrimonial ceremonies and funeral processions. Factories, commercial establishments, company and co-operative society statutory meetings, schools and other educational institutions, courts, government offices, cinemas and theatres may continue regular operations.

Meetings or processions specifically authorised by the relevant zonal deputy commissioner of police are also permitted. Police said violations can invite legal action, including after the order expires.