Section-144 of CrPC imposed in Jammu, Srinagar: What does it mean?

The government on Monday imposed restrictions under the Section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Srinagar district with effect from midnight, which shall remain in force till further orders. As per the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed. There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order.

Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required.

What is Section-144 of CrPC?

• In case of a riot, loot, violent protests, stone pelting etc. in any area or city, the Section 144 of CrPC is imposed. This is a notification issued by the District Magistrate. It prohibits the assembly of four or more people in an area.
• There is also restriction on carrying any sort of weapon in that area. People can also be arrested for violating it.
• According to the law, every member of such "unlawful assembly" can be booked for "engaging in rioting".
• The maximum punishment for such an act is three years.
• Also, it is mentioned that obstructing police from breaking up an unlawful assembly is a punishable offence. This section also empowers the authorities to block the internet access.

Does Section-144 mean curfew?

Not really. The Section is generally prohibitory in nature. It restricts from public gathering, but doesn't bar it all together. A curfew, on the other hand, orders people to stay indoors for a specific period of time. So, the authorities can impose curfew for certain period of time. The element of time if very important. However, the authorities can also extend the curfew if the need be.

Most importantly, you need a prior approval from the local police in case you want to move out during curfew.