Mumbai Police issue prohibitory orders restricting assembly of over five persons

Mumbai Police issues preventive order banning assemblies and loud activities, with exemptions for specific events and penalties for violations.

In a preventive order which was termed as ‘routine’, the Mumbai Police on Thursday (May 15, 2025) banned the assembly of more than five or more persons, any procession, and the use of loudspeakers, musical bands, amplifying instruments, or bursting of crackers in any procession. These restrictions will remain in effect from 00:01 hours on May 17, 2025, to 24:00 hours on May 31, 2025, and apply throughout Brihanmumbai.

A ban on the flying of drones and aerial devices, and on firecrackers, is already in place in the financial capital.

“Based on the information received from various sources, it is apprehended that there is likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility and also there is grave danger to human lives and loss of properties. On that account, it is considered expedient to issue prohibitory order for restricting movement and unlawful assembly of five or more persons for prevention of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility and danger to human lives and loss of properties and to prevent any kind of riot or affray in the areas under the control of Commissioner of Police, Brihanmumbai,” the orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (operations), stated.

The orders were issued under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.

However, the order carves out specific exemptions. These include marriage ceremonies, funeral processions, statutory and business-related meetings of registered societies and companies, gatherings in cinemas or theatres for films and performances, assemblies in courts and government offices, educational institutions for academic activities, and regular business operations in shops and factories. Additionally, processions permitted by the respective Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police and supervisory officers are also exempt.

The directive further states that legal proceedings or penalties related to any contravention of this order may be continued or enforced even after the expiry of the stated period.