Kolkata Police has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across Dharmatala for 60 days, citing intelligence inputs about possible violent demonstrations that could disrupt public order and traffic.

The move comes less than three weeks before the Trinamool Congress' annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, traditionally held in front of Victoria House, with the party's request for permission still awaiting a decision.

The order, issued by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand in his capacity as Executive Magistrate, will remain in force from July 2 to August 30, unless withdrawn earlier.

The notified area stretches from KC Das Crossing to Victoria House and adjoining roads under Bowbazar Police Station, Hare Street Police Station, and the Headquarters Traffic Guard. Bentinck Street has been excluded from the restrictions.

What Section 163 means for Dharmatala

Key restrictions

  • Section 163 will remain in force from July 2 to August 30
  • Unlawful assemblies of five or more people are prohibited
  • Rallies, meetings, processions, dharnas, and demonstrations are not permitted
  • Carrying lathis, firearms, or other dangerous weapons has been barred
  • Police say the order is based on credible intelligence of possible violent protests
  • A decision on TMC's July 21 rally permission is still pending

According to the notification, police received specific intelligence suggesting that violent demonstrations could take place in the area, potentially leading to a breach of peace, disruption of essential services, and major traffic congestion in one of Kolkata's busiest commercial and administrative zones.

A senior state government official described the move as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. Officials maintained that the restrictions were imposed solely based on security assessments and intelligence inputs.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand said Kolkata Police had received two requests from the Trinamool Congress to hold its annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally but had not yet taken a decision.

He said the venue is a major thoroughfare where permissions for large public gatherings are generally not granted when Section 163 is in force, and the applications remain under consideration.

The police have also registered a case against TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh, Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen and senior party leader Baiswanar Chatterjee for allegedly obstructing traffic during a site inspection on Sunday.

According to police, the three leaders spent more than an hour measuring space for the proposed stage near Victoria House, disrupting vehicular movement and causing inconvenience to pedestrians.

The July 21 Martyrs' Day rally commemorates the 13 Youth Congress activists killed in police firing during a protest in Kolkata in 1993.

Over the years, it has grown into one of the Trinamool Congress' biggest annual political events, drawing thousands of supporters from across West Bengal.