Dakshina Kannada Police Tighten Rules for Upcoming Festive CelebrationsWith a series of major festivals, including Eid Milad, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navarathri, Deepawali and Christmas, approaching.
The Dakshina Kannada district police have issued a set of stringent guidelines for organisers of public events and processions.The measures have been introduced to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and prevent incidents that could disturb communal harmony during the festive season. Prior permission mandatory. According to the guidelines issued by the Superintendent of Police, organisers must obtain prior written permission from the authorities before conducting any public event or procession within the district. They are also required to submit the contact details of the persons responsible for organising the event.For programmes conducted on private property, organisers must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.DJs prohibited; sound restrictions in placeThe police have prohibited the use of DJ systems, high-volume speakers and similar sound equipment. Loudspeakers may be used only after obtaining written permission from the competent authority and must be switched off by 10 pm.Organisers have also been instructed to comply with prescribed noise limits — 65 dB in commercial areas, 55 dB in residential areas and 50 dB in silence zones.Processions cannot continue beyond 11.30 pm. Any gathering that continues beyond the permitted time, or moves away from the approved route or venue, will be considered an unlawful assembly.CCTV, security and women’s safetyOrganisers must arrange round-the-clock security at venues where idols, pandals, valuables or other important materials are kept. CCTV cameras are mandatory, and recordings must be retained for at least 30 days. The police have also warned organisers and participants against displaying banners, raising slogans, staging performances or sharing social media content that could promote hatred, insult any religion or create communal tension. The guidelines prescribe zero tolerance towards eve-teasing, stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment during festivals and processions. Crowd and traffic managementAdequate volunteers must be deployed to regulate crowds and ensure that the number of people at the venue remains within the approved capacity.Pandal structures and vehicles used during processions must comply with applicable legal and MESCOM safety requirements. Vehicles must have valid registration, fitness, insurance and PUC documents.Organisers must ensure the availability of fire extinguishers, ambulances and first-aid facilities. Toxic colours, prohibited chemicals and single-use plastics are also banned. Traffic flow must not be disrupted, while emergency access routes must remain clear. Vehicles may be parked only in designated areas.Restrictions on weapons, drones and animals Carrying weapons or any dangerous objects during events and processions is strictly prohibited. The operation of drones will require prior written permission from the competent authority.The use of animals in processions is also subject to prior approval and compliance with animal welfare regulations.
Organisers have been instructed not to damage public or private property. Banners and flex boards can be put up only with prior approval and must be removed after the event. Organisers are also responsible for ensuring that the venue and surrounding areas are cleaned after the celebrations in coordination with the MCC. Police to conduct inspections. The police said authorised officers may inspect event venues at any time to verify compliance with the conditions. Any attempt to obstruct officials during inspections could invite legal action. The department has urged organisers and members of the public to immediately report suspicious activities or any untoward incidents by calling 112 or approaching the nearest police station. The police have made it clear that violations of the prescribed conditions will attract strict legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Karnataka Police Act and other applicable laws. The department has appealed to all organisers and the public to cooperate with the authorities and ensure that festive celebrations are conducted peacefully, responsibly and without causing inconvenience or posing a threat to public safety.
