10 day advance notice, no traffic disruptions: Haryana’s new norms for protests in Panchkula

The new set of rules — which was cleared by the Haryana Director General of Police on May 2 — details that people or organisation/s who want to hold a protest in Panchkula shall have to submit an application in writing in a prescribed format to the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Panchkula, informing of their intention to hold a rally, protest march or dharna along with a declaration prescribed, at least 10 days before the date of event.

The SOP mention that no loudspeaker or public address system shall be used at the venue of rally, protest march or dharna without specific permission of the SDM, Panchkula.

Further it has been stated in the new set of rules that protesters shall be allowed to erect tents or temporary structures only at designated place for specific purpose and period, as per the undertaking made before the SDM, Panchkula, and the same shall be removed immediately after the protest.

The SOP filed at HC states that no permission will be granted to hold rally or protest march, if the organisers don’t undertake that they will not block movement of persons and goods within and outside Panchkula roads. Also no permission will be given to hold rallies/marches beyond Panchkula and a separate permission will be required from the Chandigarh administration if the rally or march has to enter the UT.

No animals will be allowed during the protest.

The SOP also mentioned that the SDM can withdraw permission if there is apprehension of disruption of public order. If the SOP is not complied with, then the police shall pitch in and if a protest turns violent, the police shall ensure that it is videographed and the district magistrate immediately informed.

The new SOP mention that the organisers of a rally or protest march will have to give details of route, number of people attending the rally, names and addresses of five persons responsible for proper conduct of rally and vehicles to be used. The organisers will also submit an undertaking that the protest will be peaceful and no one will be allowed to carry any weapons. Also the organisers will be responsible for conduct and behaviour of participants, and will be responsible for loss of life/damage caused to a person/property.

The organisers will also have to submit their immovable and movable property details, along with bank details on an application form. Also if number of protesters is more than 2,000, organisers will have to requisition a fire tender.