Power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger
Full Text
(1) In cases where, in the opinion of a District Magistrate, a Sub-divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf, there is sufficient ground for proceeding under this section and immediate prevention or speedy remedy is desirable, such Magistrate may, by a written order stating the material facts of the case and served in the manner provided by section 153, direct any person to abstain from a certain act or to take certain order with respect to certain property in his possession or under his management, if such Magistrate considers that such direction is likely to prevent, or tends to prevent, obstruction, annoyance or injury to any person lawfully employed, or danger to human life, health or safety or a disturbance of the public tranquillity, or a riot, or an affray.
(2) An order under this section may, in cases of emergency or in cases where the circumstances do not admit of the serving in due time of a notice upon the person against whom the order is directed, be passed ex parte.
(3) An order under this section may be directed to a particular individual, or to persons residing in a particular place or area, or to the public generally when frequenting or visiting a particular place or area.
(4) No order under this section shall remain in force for more than two months from the making thereof: Provided that if the State Government considers it necessary so to do for preventing danger to human life, health or safety or for preventing a riot or any affray, it may, by notification, direct that an order made by a Magistrate under this section shall remain in force for such further period not exceeding six months from the date on which the order made by the Magistrate would have, but for such order, expired, as it may specify in the said notification.
(5-7) Any Magistrate may rescind or alter any order made under this section. The State Government has similar powers for extended orders. Applicants must be given an opportunity to be heard.
Plain English Summary
Section 163 (formerly Section 144 CrPC) empowers Magistrates to issue urgent preventive orders to maintain public order and safety.
Key Legal Elements
- Successor to Section 144 CrPC
- Urgent preventive measures for public tranquility
- Power to pass ex-parte orders in emergencies
- Time limit of 2 months, extendable to 6 months
- Applies to individuals or the general public
- Mandatory requirement to record reasons for rejection of appeals
Punishment
Violation is punishable under Section 223 of BNS, 2023.
Practical Note
Commonly known as "Section 144", this is a primary tool for handling riots, protests, and emergencies. Its scope is broad but subject to judicial review regarding fundamental rights.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) उन तत्काल मामलों में जहाँ सार्वजनिक शांति भंग होने, जीवन को खतरा होने या दंगे की आशंका हो, मजिस्ट्रेट लिखित आदेश द्वारा किसी व्यक्ति को कोई कार्य करने से रोक सकता है या संपत्ति के प्रबंधन का निर्देश दे सकता है।
(2) आपातकालीन स्थिति में, यह आदेश एकपक्षीय (ex parte) पारित किया जा सकता है।
(3) आदेश किसी व्यक्ति विशेष, किसी क्षेत्र के निवासियों या आम जनता के लिए जारी किया जा सकता है।
(4) अवधि: यह आदेश अधिकतम 2 महीने तक प्रभावी रहता है। राज्य सरकार इसे बढ़ाकर कुल 6 महीने तक कर सकती है।
(5-7) मजिस्ट्रेट या राज्य सरकार आदेश को रद्द या संशोधित कर सकती है। आवेदन खारिज करने पर लिखित में कारण बताना अनिवार्य है।