In response to a proposed protest demonstration by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) scheduled for August 21, the district administration of East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya has issued strict prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Issued by East Khasi Hills District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal on Thursday, the administrative order restricts public gatherings, marches, and loud audio equipment within the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station in Shillong to preserve public order and mitigate security risks.
Protest Route Details and Schedule
The regulatory measures were initiated following official information indicating that the KSU planned to organize a public procession and subsequent sit-in protest on August 21. According to the itinerary reviewed by district officials, the union planned to gather its members and start a march at 11 am from its organizational office located in Jaiaw. The rally route was mapped to proceed through Motphran before terminating at Khyndailad, where demonstrators intended to hold a stationary sit-in protest lasting until 6 pm.
Specific Restrictions Under Section 163
Recognizing that an unapproved gathering of this scale could disrupt routine public movement, cause severe vehicular congestion, damage property, and create hazards to human safety, District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal enforced comprehensive restrictions across the designated police limits. Under the invoked provisions of Section 163 of BNSS, 2023, no individual, association, or organization may convene, conduct, or participate in any procession, public meeting, rally, or sit-in without obtaining prior written clearance from district authorities. Furthermore, unauthorized assemblies of five or more persons intending to demonstrate or disrupt public tranquility remain strictly barred.
Ban on Sound Systems and Dangerous Objects
To keep urban spaces orderly and prevent potential violence, the administrative order places strict controls on public address equipment and dangerous items. The use of loudspeakers, megaphones, amplifiers, and general sound projection equipment in public areas within Sadar Police Station limits is forbidden without formal prior sanction from the competent authority. Additionally, participants and citizens are prohibited from carrying firearms, wooden sticks, stones, metal rods, or any objects capable of causing bodily harm or physical damage during public gatherings.
Enforcement and Legal Consequences
The East Khasi Hills administration warned that any defiance of these orders will draw immediate criminal prosecution. Individuals or organizations that attempt to enforce shutdowns, obstruct public movement, impede government staff from fulfilling duties, or damage public or private infrastructure will be charged under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, alongside other relevant legal provisions. The prohibitory order came into force immediately upon issuance on Thursday and will remain in effect until further official orders are published.
