Panaji | June 1, 2025:
The District Magistrate of North Goa, Ankit Yadav (IAS), has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people in and around Junta House, Panaji, and surrounding areas under the jurisdiction of the Panaji Police Station on June 2, 2025.
The move comes following an alert from the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, regarding a proposed protest involving over 2,000 taxi owners and drivers from both North and South Goa. The protestors were expected to gather at Junta House around 2:00 PM to submit objection letters concerning the new Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines.
Authorities anticipate that such a large gathering could lead to road blockages, disrupt government work, and disturb public peace in Panaji city.
The order strictly bans processions, protests, morchas, or assemblies involving five or more persons, as well as the carrying of arms, sticks, banners, placards, loudspeakers, and similar items that may be used for unlawful assembly.
However, exemptions are made for public servants on duty, bonafide weddings or funerals, and other permitted gatherings that receive prior written approval from the District or Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
Violators of the order will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
