Cauvery dispute: How is Section 144

CrPC different from a curfew?

As Bengaluru continues to be in the clutches of Section 144
CrPC, here are a few pointers as to how it is different from a
curfew.

IndiaToday.in | Edited by Shreya Biswas

New Delhi, September 13, 2016 | UPDATED 12:18 IST
A +A -

HIGHLIGHTS
1
Section 144 prohibits assembly of 5 or more people.
2
Curfew prohibits going outdoors for a period of time.
3
Police has imposed Section 144 in Bengaluru.
 Amid burnt vehicles and vacant streets, Bengaluru woke up to quieter morning today after the
imposition of Section 144 in the city yesterday.
Bengaluru City Police imposed Section 144 CrPC in the city in the wake of the widespread
violence over the Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu.
Later last night, Section 144 was converted into a curfew in certain parts of the city:

Follow

BengaluruCityPolice
#CauveryIssue: #Section144CrPC Is Imposed In Bengaluru City From 12-09-2016 to
14-09-2016.Strict action shall b initiated agnst miscreants
8:30 PM - 12 Sep 2016

1,7561,756 Retweets

776776 likes

Also read: Bengaluru on the boil, Siddaramaiah to hold cabinet meet today
Bengaluru City Police tweeted the names of the areas where a curfew had been imposed.

View image on Twitter

 Follow

BengaluruCityPolice
Curfew imposed in 16Police Stations. Activities exempted: Medical&Emergency
Services Cremations Festival celebration
8:47 AM - 13 Sep 2016

8080 Retweets

3333 likes

Here are a few pointers as to how Section 144 CrPC is different from a curfew:
What is Section 144?
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibits any assembly of five or more
people in an area where it has been imposed.
Every member of such "unlawful assembly" can be booked for "engaging in rioting", maximum
punishment for which is three years.
Further, obstructing police from breaking up an unlawful assembly is a punishable offence as
well.

Also read: Social media does its bit to stop rumour mongering regarding Cauvery dispute

What is a curfew?
A curfew by law orders people to stay indoors for a specific period of time. It can be a public
order to gain control of violent situations, or can be directed to a specific group.
Curfew prohibits any person to step outdoors without prior police approval.
Establishments such as markets, schools, colleges, etc. are ordered to remain shut, and only
essential services are allowed to run.