Pune Police Restrictions Ahead Of Ganeshotsav: What Is Banned From September 15 To 28
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 12th September 2026: Pune police have issued a prohibitory order across the city police commissionerate limits for 14 days—from 12.01 am on September 15 until midnight on September 28—to maintain public order and security during the Ganesh festival and other public events.
The order was issued on Saturday by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr Prashant Amrutkar under Sections 37(1), 37(2) and 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.
“The order has been issued as a preventive measure to maintain public peace and security during the Ganesh festival and other events. Activities or objects that could disturb law and order, threaten public safety or create fear among citizens will be prohibited during this period,” DCP Amrutkar said.
According to the order, political parties and social organisations frequently organise marches, demonstrations, sit-ins, shutdowns and hunger strikes in Pune over various demands. The city will also witness Ganesh festival celebrations and other festivities during the period, requiring preventive measures to avoid potential law-and-order problems.
The order prohibits people from carrying inflammable or explosive substances, stones, weapons, missiles or other objects capable of causing physical injury. Carrying swords, spears, sticks, knives, clubs and similar objects has also been banned.
The display or burning of effigies, provocative images or representations has been prohibited. The order also bars inflammatory speeches, provocative slogans, public remarks, loud singing and the playing of musical instruments in a manner that could disturb public order.
Preparing, displaying or circulating pictures, symbols, placards or other material that could undermine public morality or security, provoke offences or incite attempts to overthrow the state has also been prohibited. Creating or circulating inflammatory material and delivering speeches intended to promote violence or threaten the security of the state are covered by the restrictions.
Police have specifically prohibited the creation and circulation of social-media reels intended to spread fear or issue threats.
Assemblies of five or more people, public meetings and processions will not be permitted without prior approval from the Pune police commissioner. The order, however, will not apply to government employees required to carry weapons while performing official duties.
Private security guards, Gurkhas and watchmen carrying sticks measuring up to 3.5 feet as part of their duties are also exempt.
The order has been forwarded to senior police officials, government departments and judicial authorities. Police stations have been directed to display copies prominently in public places and publicise the restrictions through loudspeakers and other means.
Police may initiate inquiries or legal proceedings even after the order expires if violations occur during its period of enforcement. Violators may face prosecution under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, the order stated.
