Faridkot, 24 June 2025: District Magistrate of Faridkot, Madam Poonamdeep Kaur (IAS), has issued orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, imposing various restrictions across the district. These orders will remain effective until August 16, 2025. A ban on loudspeakers has been enforced within the district limits, prohibiting their use between 10 PM and 6 AM without written permission under the Punjab Instruments (Control of Noises) Act, 1956. Loudspeakers can only be used with prior written approval from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate under specified conditions, as their use during cultural, religious, or celebratory events often disturbs public peace. There is also a ban on illegal encroachments, forbidding any individual from occupying government roads or land without authorization. Violations will attract action under Section 223 of the BNSS. A tobacco ban has been imposed within 100 meters of educational institutions and on the sale or use of tobacco by individuals under 18 years of age, as it harms physical and mental health. A ban on vehicles without reflectors such as bicycles, rickshaws, tractor-trolleys, and carts has been issued, disallowing their movement without red reflectors or bright reflective tape at the front and back, to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. Additionally, a ban on filling public ponds in rural areas without prior approval has been declared. Public or Panchayat-led filling of ponds without written consent from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Block Development and Panchayat Officer is prohibited, as it can block water flow and lead to disputes. All these restrictions will remain in force until August 16, 2025.
Summary: DM issues orders under Section 163, banning protests, loudspeakers, public weapon displays, and hoarding to maintain law, order, and public safety.