The Punjab government has reinstated the power of deputy commissioners (DCs) to ban gatherings and rallies in their respective districts for up to 30 days.
Home secretary has the power to impose Section 144 in any district or throughout the province for up to 90 days.
Additionally the Punjab cabinet has the authority to extend this ban beyond 90 days in severe emergency.
A gazette notification was issued following the provincial assembly’s approval of an amendment to Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Punjab Amendment).
Previously, only the home secretary had the authority to enforce bans on protests, assemblies, rallies, sit-ins, and pillion riding during disturbance of law and order.
However, this amendment allows DCs to impose bans on gatherings directly without the approval of home secretary.
Pervez Musharraf had shifted this power to district nazims during his tenure. As per change district nazims had the authority to impose Section 144 based on recommendations from the district police officer and the executive district officer (DCs).
Later, the district nazim position was abolished, and the role of deputy commissioner was restored.
However, DCs still deprived of the authority to impose Section 144 independently. They had to rely on Punjab home secretary following district intelligence committee recommendations to implement bans.
Now, DCs have regained the power to impose Section 144 for up to 30 days to maintain law and order in respective districts.
