Mangaluru: Police issue guidelines for New Year celebrations

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 17, 2025: In view of the New Year celebrations, the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.

According to the guidelines, hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts and other establishments planning to organise New Year programmes within the limits of the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate must obtain prior permission from the office of the concerned Assistant Commissioners of Police. Applications seeking permission should be submitted on or before December 23 by 5 pm. No New Year celebrations will be allowed without prior approval, and legal action will be initiated against violators.

All New Year programmes must conclude by 12.30 am, after which no events will be permitted. The use of loudspeakers and sound systems requires prior permission from the competent authority and must strictly comply with the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, and Supreme Court directives. The use of DJs has been strictly prohibited.

The police have imposed a complete ban on the possession and consumption of prohibited narcotic substances during New Year celebrations. Obscene dances, indecent performances, gambling and other immoral activities under the guise of celebration have also been strictly banned.

The sale and distribution of liquor will be allowed only with valid permission from the Excise Department. Organisers have been instructed to strictly adhere to all licence conditions and permissions obtained from the concerned departments.

Smoking and consumption of alcohol in public places such as bus stands, parks, playgrounds, railway stations and other public areas have been prohibited. Strict action will be taken against students or youths found indulging in unruly or antisocial behaviour in public places.

Organisers have been directed to ensure adequate safety arrangements, including fire safety equipment, emergency medical vehicles and other security measures. They must also take precautionary steps to prevent untoward incidents and provide separate parking facilities to ensure smooth traffic flow without obstructing public roads. In programmes where refreshments or mid-day meals are arranged, the entry of minors below 18 years must be restricted.

Special task forces will be deployed to prevent harassment, teasing, violence or obscene acts against women and girls in the name of celebration. To curb drunken driving, a special rapid response team comprising traffic police and experts has been formed and will conduct checks across the city. Vehicles of those found driving under the influence of alcohol will be seized, and action will be taken under drink-and-drive provisions.

Stunt riding, wheeling, drag racing, over-speeding and activities causing excessive noise are strictly prohibited, and special teams will be deployed to prevent such acts. Consumption of alcohol, obscene behaviour and indecent acts in other public places and along the seashore have also been banned. Bursting crackers in a manner that disturbs public peace has been prohibited.

The guidelines have been issued in the interest of public safety and the maintenance of law and order. The police commissionerate has appealed to citizens and organisers to cooperate and ensure a peaceful and joyous New Year celebration.