The Chennai district magistrate imposed Section 144 across the entire city for a month. Is this constitutional?
SW Asked by Swati Kulkarni from India
Quick Answer
Section 163 BNSS, 2023 (formerly Section 144 CrPC) allows restrictions to prevent imminent danger, but a blanket city-wide imposition for a month is excessive and likely violates Article 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(a).
Detailed Legal Analysis
Section 163 BNSS, 2023 (formerly Section 144 CrPC) allows restrictions to prevent imminent danger, but a blanket city-wide imposition for a month is excessive and likely violates Article 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(a). The Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin (2020) held that restrictions on assembly and internet must be proportionate, time-bound, and subject to judicial review.
File a representation for lifting or narrowing the order before the Chennai magistrate. Challenge the order before Madras High Court under Article 226 for a writ of certiorari quashing it as arbitrary under Article 14.
Preserve the order and its Gazette notification as evidence. Refer to Tamil Nadu Rent Control Act 1960 for any state police or magisterial procedural rules in Tamil Nadu.
Disclaimer: AI-generated for educational purposes only. Does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.