Mumbai Police ban gatherings of five or more people in city till October 25

Mumbai Police have issued a prohibitory order to maintain peace and law and order in the city. The order will remain in force within the limits of the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate till October 25, 2026.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) issued the order using powers under the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. People gathering in public places will have to follow certain rules as a result.

The order prohibits five or more people from assembling together. Taking out processions, playing loudspeakers or music bands in a crowd, and bursting firecrackers are also banned. Those preparing public events or processions need to find out the rules in force.

Some events are exempt. The ban does not apply to wedding ceremonies, other wedding-related rituals and funerals. Also exempt are legal meetings of companies, cooperative societies and other organisations, club events, social gatherings, and events held as part of the routine functioning of institutions.

The regular functioning of cinemas, theatres and other public places of entertainment, courts, government and semi-government offices, schools, colleges and other educational institutions has also been kept out of the order. Crowds gathering for day-to-day business and trade at companies, factories, shops and other establishments are exempt too. Schools, offices and shops will therefore keep running as usual.

A peaceful march held with police permission is also exempt, so the order will not come in its way.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan gave the details through the order. People have been asked to keep the restrictions in mind when gathering in public places and to follow police instructions.