Berhampur: The Ganjam district administration has introduced stricter regulations governing public gatherings, meetings and processions as part of measures to strengthen law and order and prevent disruptions during large public events.
Under the new directive, Section 30 of the Police Act, 1961, will remain in force throughout Ganjam district for 90 days, from August 16 to November 13, 2026.
The order makes prior police permission mandatory for a wide range of public programmes, including political meetings, rallies and processions.
Organisers Must Seek Permission in Advance
According to the directive issued by Ganjam SP Harisha B.C., following the decision of District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, organisers will have to obtain a permission or licence from the concerned Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) or police station officer before conducting a public gathering.
Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before the proposed event.
Organisers will be required to provide detailed information about the programme, including:
- Venue and date of the event
- Start and end time
- Purpose of the gathering
- Proposed procession route, wherever applicable
- Expected number of participants
- Vehicle and parking arrangements
- Details of fireworks, if any
If fireworks are planned during an event, organisers must also mention the type of fireworks proposed to be used in their application.
Rules Apply Across Ganjam
The restrictions will apply across all police station areas in Ganjam district during the specified 90-day period.
Authorities have made it clear that organisers cannot proceed with covered events without obtaining the required permission from the police.
The move is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement agencies have adequate information about public programmes in advance and can make appropriate security and traffic arrangements.
Police Cite Security Concerns
Police officials said the restrictions have been introduced following instances in which anti-social elements allegedly entered meetings, rallies and other large gatherings and attempted to create disturbances by taking advantage of crowds.
The advance-permission system is expected to help police assess potential security concerns, deploy personnel appropriately and monitor large gatherings more effectively.
Strict Action for Violations
Police have warned that anyone violating the directive will face legal action under applicable provisions.
The administration has urged organisers to factor in the mandatory 72-hour notice period while planning meetings, rallies, processions and other public events.
With the restrictions remaining in force until November 13, 2026, organisers across Ganjam will need to secure the necessary police clearance before holding public programmes during this period.
