High Alert in Pune Rural: Prohibitory Orders Extended Until Feb 19; Weapon Ban and Assemblies Restricted
Pune: The Pune District Administration has further tightened security measures across the rural belt in view of the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. Following the initial directives by Collector Jitendra Dudi, Additional District Magistrate Jyoti Kadam has issued a fresh, more stringent set of prohibitory orders to ensure absolute law and order.
These new orders, issued under the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, come into effect from 12:05 AM on February 6, 2026, and will remain active until midnight on February 19, 2026.
Strict Ban on Weapons and Explosives
The administration has imposed a total ban on the possession and carriage of any items that could be used to cause physical harm. This includes:
- Weapons: Swords, spears, batons, sticks, lathis, and firearms.
- Missiles: Stones or any projectiles/devices designed for throwing.
- Dangerous Substances: Corrosive substances, explosives, or any inflammable liquids.
Curbs on Public Gatherings and Demonstrations
Under Section 37(1) and (3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, the following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Unlawful Assembly: Gathering of five or more persons in public spaces.
- Public Events: Holding any meeting or procession without prior written permission from the Superintendent of Pune Rural Police.
- Provocative Acts: Burning effigies of political leaders, displaying symbolic corpses, or making inflammatory speeches that threaten state security or public morality.
- Noise Disturbance: Loud shouting of obscene slogans and the unauthorized use of musical instruments for political propaganda.
Prohibitions Near Government Offices
The orders previously issued by Collector Jitendra Dudi under Section 163 of the BNSS continue to remain in place near government buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions. This includes a complete ban on unauthorized hoardings, banners, and the establishment of temporary party offices near sensitive zones.
Exemptions and Penalties
These restrictions do not apply to government servants on official duty or security personnel required to carry weapons as part of their authorized roles.
The administration has made it clear that any individual found violating these orders will be prosecuted under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
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