Mangaluru: In view of the upcoming New Year celebrations, the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and preventing untoward incidents across the city. The guidelines apply to all establishments and individuals planning to organise or participate in New Year programmes within the limits of the commissionerate.
According to the police, hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts and other commercial establishments intending to host New Year events must obtain prior permission from the office of the concerned Assistant Commissioners of Police. Applications seeking permission must be submitted on or before December 23, by 5 pm. Police officials have made it clear that no New Year celebrations will be permitted without prior approval, and strict legal action will be initiated against organisers who violate the directive.
Time restrictions and sound regulations
As per the guidelines, all New Year programmes must conclude by 12.30 am. No events or celebrations will be allowed beyond this time under any circumstances. The police have also reiterated that the use of loudspeakers and sound systems requires prior permission from the competent authority.
Organisers must strictly comply with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, as well as directions issued by the Supreme Court from time to time. In a significant restriction, the use of DJs has been strictly prohibited during New Year celebrations within the city limits.
Ban on narcotics and obscene activities
The police commissionerate has imposed a complete ban on the possession, sale and consumption of prohibited narcotic substances during New Year celebrations. Any violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act will invite stringent legal action.
In addition, obscene dances, indecent performances, gambling and other immoral activities carried out under the guise of celebration have been strictly banned. Police officials said special teams will monitor events to ensure that programmes adhere to legal and moral standards.
Liquor sale and public consumption restrictions
The sale and distribution of liquor during New Year celebrations will be allowed only with valid permission from the Excise Department. Organisers have been instructed to strictly adhere to the licence conditions and permissions granted by the concerned authorities.
Smoking and consumption of alcohol in public places such as bus stands, parks, playgrounds, railway stations and other public areas have been prohibited. The police have warned that strict action will be taken against students or youths found indulging in unruly, antisocial or disorderly behaviour in public spaces.
Safety, parking and entry restrictions
Organisers have been directed to make adequate safety arrangements at venues hosting New Year programmes. These include the provision of fire safety equipment, emergency medical vehicles and other essential security measures. They must also take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents or untoward incidents during the celebrations.
To avoid traffic congestion, organisers are required to provide separate and adequate parking facilities. Parking on public roads or in a manner that obstructs the free flow of traffic will not be permitted.
In programmes where refreshments or mid-day meals are arranged, the entry of minors below the age of 18 years must be restricted, particularly in venues where alcohol is served.
Special focus on women’s safety and traffic enforcement
To ensure the safety of women and girls, special task forces will be deployed across the city to prevent harassment, teasing, violence or obscene acts in the name of New Year celebrations. The police have assured zero tolerance towards crimes against women during the festive period.
To curb drunken driving, a special rapid response team comprising traffic police personnel and technical experts has been formed. These teams will conduct intensive checks at key junctions and vulnerable locations across the city. Vehicles of those found driving under the influence of alcohol will be seized, and offenders will be booked under drink-and-drive provisions of the law.
Ban on stunts, racing and fireworks misuse
Stunt riding, wheeling, drag racing, over-speeding and activities causing excessive noise have been strictly prohibited. Special police teams will be deployed to identify and prevent such acts, particularly by youths on two-wheelers and cars.
The consumption of alcohol, obscene behaviour and indecent acts in other public places and along the seashore have also been banned. Bursting crackers in a manner that disturbs public peace or poses a danger to others will not be permitted.
Conclusion
The Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate stated that the guidelines have been issued purely in the interest of public safety and the maintenance of law and order. Citizens, event organisers and business establishments have been urged to cooperate with the police and follow the rules in letter and spirit.
Police officials expressed confidence that with public cooperation and strict enforcement, the city can welcome the New Year in a peaceful, safe and joyous manner without compromising on security or public order.