Claim
Uttar Pradesh authorities imposed section-144 on valentines day. No public gathering, alcohol consumption allowed on that day.
Rating
Explanation
Posts claiming that Uttar Pradesh government imposed Section 144 on Valentines day is viral on social.meria platforms. Some of the posts with such a claim can be seen here and here.
What is the truth?
When searching with keywords it is found that section 144 is imposed in Lucknow since December 2022. ANI’s tweet dated 13, December 2022 is found carrying an official statement dated 10, December 2022 from the Office of the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Lucknow. The statement in Hindi mentions that festivities and various entrance examinations will be conducted. In view of the guidelines issued in view of Covid-19, it is necessary to take special vigilance on programs / festivals / festivals and that the restrictions will be followed till 10, January 2023.
ANI tweet dated 11, January 2023 is found carrying the official statement mentioning that Section 144 of CrPc is imposed in Lucknow till 10th February, in view of Republic Day, Basant Panchami and other important events.
Another ANI tweet dated 10, February 2023 is found mentioning that the prohibitions under Section 144 will be imposed till 10, March 2023. No special mention about valentines day is found in this statement.
4, February 2023 dated Police Commissionerate Gautam Buddh Nagar’s tweet mentions “In view of the upcoming festivals / Covid-19 protocol, prohibitory orders in the district under Section-144 CrPC are applicable from 04.02.2023 to 28.02.2023 in view of security. Action will be taken under Section-188 IPC for violation”.
The statement mentions “In the month of February 2023, Saint Ravidas Jayanti and Muhammad Hazrat Ali’s birthday will be celebrated on 05-02-2023, Valentine’s Day on 14-02-2023, Mahashivaratri on 18-02-2023. On this occasion, the apprehension of breach of peace by anti-social elements cannot be ruled out. This order will be effective from 4, February 2023 to 28, February 2023”. It is mentioned in the statement that no public gathering of more than mentioned number of people is allowed, no alcohol consumption in public places, and no usage of loudspeakers beyond certain decibels along with various other restrictions.
Conclusion
It is found that the Uttar Pradesh government did not impose Section 144 specifically for Valentine’s day but the restriction is in place since 10, December 2022 and is extended till 10, March 2023 for now.
