In a move that has sparked controversy, the police authorities in Nagpur, Maharashtra, have reenacted a directive barring transgenders from soliciting alms in public areas, residences, wedding ceremonies, and gatherings. This renewed order, first introduced in January of this year, has been reissued under the framework of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), according to an official statement released on Wednesday.
City Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar, emphasized that the decision was motivated by instances of beggars, including transgenders, causing disruptions and inconveniences to motorists and pedestrians. The disturbances, which have included obstruction of traffic flow and harassment of passersby, have prompted the authorities to take decisive action, as reported by PTI.
Any breach of this order now carries potential legal consequences, ranging from a one to six-month prison term, contingent upon the gravity of the public order defiance. Effective from August 16 to October 14 of the current year, this directive aims to maintain public order and curb disturbances.
Moreover, non-compliance with the order invites the possibility of legal action under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), encompassing charges such as disobedience to a public servant's order (IPC 188), unlawful assembly (IPC 143), rioting (IPC 147), public nuisance (IPC 159 and 268), extortion (IPC 384), criminal intimidation (IPC 506), and others.
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