Mangaluru city police issue strict guidelines for upcoming festive celebrations

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 3, 2025: With several major festivals around the corner, the Mangaluru City Police have released a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and promote communal harmony during celebrations and processions within city limits.

The directive is aimed at the smooth conduct of upcoming events including Moharram (July 6), Krishna Janmashtami and Mosaru Kudike (August 16), Ganesh Chaturthi (August 27), Eid Milad (September 16), Navarathri Sharada Mahotsava (September 22–October 2), Deepawali (October 20–22), and Christmas (December 25).

Organizers of public events are required to strictly comply with the conditions issued under relevant legal provisions. Key highlights of the directive include:

Key Guidelines:

1. Mandatory Permission and Time Restrictions:
   All events must secure prior written permission from the police. For private premises, a No Objection Certificate from the property owner is also required. Processions are prohibited after 11:30 PM, and any violation will be considered an unlawful assembly under Section 189 of the BNS, 2023 and Section 92(1) of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963.

2. Ban on DJ Systems; Controlled Use of Loudspeakers:
   High-decibel DJ systems are strictly banned. Loudspeakers are allowed only with prior permission and must be turned off by 10:00 PM. Noise levels must not exceed **65 dB (commercial), 55 dB (residential), and 50 dB (silence zones).

3. 24x7 Security & CCTV Surveillance:
   Organizers must deploy security personnel and install CCTV cameras at the venue. Recorded footage must be preserved for at least 30 days.

4. Prohibition of Hate Speech & Communal Content:
   Any slogans, banners, performances, or social media posts inciting hatred or hurting religious sentiments are strictly prohibited.

5. Crowd Management:
   Event attendance must remain within sanctioned limits. Trained volunteers must be deployed for crowd control.

6. Structure & Vehicle Compliance:
   Pandals and chariots must adhere to legal height restrictions and MESCOM regulations. All participating vehicles must carry valid documents, including RC, insurance, fitness, and pollution certificates.

7. Fire Safety & Environmental Norms:
   Fire extinguishers, ambulances, and first-aid kits are mandatory. Use of banned chemicals, toxic dyes, and single-use plastics is strictly forbidden.

8. Traffic & Emergency Access:
   Unobstructed flow of traffic must be ensured. Parking should only be in designated areas.

9. Protection of Property:
   Public and private property must not be damaged during the installation or removal of event structures or processions.

10. Event Timings & Contact Details:
    A detailed event schedule along with contact information of responsible volunteers must be submitted and strictly followed.

11. Zero Tolerance for Harassment:
    Any form of eve-teasing, stalking, or harassment during events will invite strict action under relevant sections of the BNS, 2023.

12. Cleanliness & Flex Board Restrictions:
    Unauthorized display of banners or hoardings is prohibited. Organizers must ensure post-event clean-up in coordination with the Mangaluru City Corporation.

13. Weapons Prohibited:
    Carrying weapons, sharp objects, or hazardous items at events is strictly banned.

14. Drone Use Regulated:
    Drones or UAVs may be operated only with prior official permission.

15. Animal Welfare Compliance:
    Use of animals in events requires prior approval and adherence to animal welfare norms.

16. Unrestricted Police Access:
    Police and authorized officials have the right to inspect venues at any time. Obstruction of such inspections will not be tolerated.

17. Report Suspicious Activity:
    Organizers and the public are required to immediately report any suspicious behavior or unlawful activity to the nearest police station or by calling 112.

Legal Implications

Failure to comply with these directives will lead to legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Karnataka Police Act, 1963, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Arms Act, 1959, Drone Rules, 2021, and other applicable laws.

The Mangaluru City Police have appealed to all organizers and citizens to cooperate fully and ensure the peaceful, safe, and lawful celebration of festivals throughout the year.