The Jorhat district administration has imposed prohibitory orders across the entire district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing concerns over the prevailing law and order situation and the apprehension of a breach of public peace and tranquillity.
The order was issued by Jorhat District Magistrate Shri Jay Shivani, IAS, on August 14, 2026. It came into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
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Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons in public places without permission has been prohibited. The order also restricts the carrying of lethal weapons and arms in public places, including lathis, daggers, sticks, spears and swords.
Public rallies, processions and demonstrations without permission have also been prohibited. The restrictions cover strikes, hunger strikes, dharnas and slogan-shouting in public places where such activities may obstruct roads, highways, footpaths or the normal movement of traffic.
The district administration has also prohibited the carrying of inflammable objects, including fire mashals, candles and effigies intended to be burnt at public places, roads or in front of government offices, residences of public servants, renowned persons and public representatives in Jorhat district. The order also restricts the raising of shahid bodies on government or semi-government land.
Training with weapons or lathis in public places through drills has been prohibited, along with forcible collection of funds or subscriptions from the public and lotteries or gambling activities in public places, including roads, highways and government offices.
The order further prohibits the bursting or throwing of crackers and inflammable materials on streets, pedestrians or moving or stationary vehicles. Throwing colours or objectionable materials in public places or at members of the public, particularly women and children, has also been restricted.
The use of loudspeakers at high volumes near hospitals, courts in session and educational institutions has been prohibited. The order also restricts inflammatory speeches, communal or anti-state or anti-national speeches, slogans, banners, posters and wall writing.
Other restrictions include the use of tinted or opaque glasses, dark glasses and vacuum horns, coloured or blinding lights, and driving with high-beam headlights in vehicles, particularly within town limits. Wearing olive-green uniforms, including Army uniforms, combat dresses and fatigues, has also been prohibited.
The District Magistrate stated that the order was passed ex parte under Section 163 BNSS due to the prevailing situation. The order also states that any person aggrieved by it may approach the competent authority for modification or waiver.
The prohibitory order covers the entire Jorhat district and will remain effective until further orders. Any violation of the order is punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to the district administration.
