Police on alert to tackle rowdy New Year revellers, Himachal govt to treat drunkards kindly

Come the New Year and the people just drown in revelery. And often the celebrations turn ugly and at times the rowdy elements take advantage of the situation and create trouble for the common people.

The authorities in several Metro cities and famous hill stations have imposed restrictions on holding unauthorised programs, religious prayers and consuming alcohol in public places.

Restrictions have been imposed in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and some other places.

Gautam Budh Nagar Police in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday announced the imposition of prohibitory orders in Noida and Greater Noida on December 31 and January 1 under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Holding unauthorized processions, religious prayers and drinking alcohol in public places has also been banned for Sunday and Monday.

According to the order issued by the Police Commissionerate, as per the instructions, the use of private drones within a radius of one kilometer of government establishments will be completely prohibited during this period. According to the order, police permission will be required for the use of drones in other areas.

The order said, "The celebrations will begin on New Year's Eve and will continue till January 1. Along with these celebrations, it is proposed to organize various programs like demonstrations etc. by various organizations from time to time."

Police said, "In view of the above, the possibility of disturbance of peace by anti-social elements cannot be ruled out... In view of this, appropriate arrangements and remedial measures need to be taken." Police said that violation of these prohibitory measures will be punishable.

The Himachal Pradesh government however has decided to treat the drunkards on the New Year with kid gloves. A senior minister said that the police would take the drunkards to their hotels rather than the police stations.