Section 163 imposed in Gwalior following protests, bandh call, and demands for cancellation of India vs Bangladesh 1st T20I

In order to maintain peace and security during the India vs Bangladesh first T20I on Sunday (October 6), Section 163 has been imposed in Gwalior until next Monday (October 7). This decision was made following a 'Gwalior Band' call given by the Hindu Mahasabha and potential protests by other organizations.

Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the British-era Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in July, deals with the power to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. Previously, it was provided under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 CrPC.

Gwalior District magistrate and collector Ruchika Chauhan issued the prohibitory orders on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Police, banning protests and circulation of inflammatory material, especially on social media, to maintain peace and ensure an incident-free match, officials have said.

The Hindu Mahasabha on Wednesday staged a protest demanding the cancellation of Sunday's match over "atrocities" committed on Hindus in Bangladesh, which saw violent demonstrations, political upheaval and a change in government in August.

The SP noted that different organisations were engaged in taking out processions, organising demonstrations, and burning effigy to protest against the match.

Religious sentiments were being incited and a communal atmosphere was being created with objectionable messages, pictures, videos, audio and other means on social media platforms which is detrimental to social harmony, he said.

The SP recommended the imposition of prohibitory orders to maintain peace, law and order in the Madhya Pradesh district.

As per the orders, any person within the limits of district will face action if he or she via social media platforms disrupts the international match or incites religious sentiments. Banners, posters, cut-outs, flags and other things with objectionable or inflammatory language and messages stand banned.

Demonstrations and effigy burning, among other things, at private or public places will not be allowed during the period, according to the administration.

Gatherings of five or more people, carrying firearms, blunt and sharp weapons like swords and spears are also prohibited. Use of inflammable substances such as kerosene, petrol and acid has been banned within a radius of 200 meters of all buildings, it said.

The India-Bangladesh clash will take place at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, which is hosting an international cricket match after a gap of 14 years.

Around 1,600 policemen are being deployed for security and traffic management.