Delhi Police has urged citizens not to participate in any unauthorised gathering or procession in the New Delhi district ahead of a proposed march to Parliament on July 20, 2026, stating that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force across the district, except at the designated protest site on Jantar Mantar Road.
In a public advisory issued on the eve of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the police clarified that no permission had been sought or granted for any proposed march to Parliament. The advisory called upon residents and visitors to respect the prohibitory orders and cooperate with authorities in maintaining public peace, safety and security.
The announcement comes amid expectations of demonstrations in the national capital as Parliament reconvenes, with heightened security measures put in place to prevent disruptions while ensuring that lawful protests can continue at authorised locations.
Delhi Police Clarifies Restrictions
In its official statement, Delhi Police said, “Prohibitory orders u/s 163 BNSS are in force in New Delhi District except designated protest site at Jantar Mantar Road. Further, no permission has been sought or granted for any proposed march to Parliament on 20 July 2026. Citizens are advised not to participate in any unauthorised gathering or procession. Please respect the prohibitory orders in force and cooperate with Delhi Police in maintaining public peace, safety and security.”
Section 163 of the BNSS empowers authorities to impose temporary restrictions to prevent situations that could threaten public order or safety. Police officials said the advisory was issued as a precautionary measure in view of the commencement of the Monsoon Session and the possibility of large public gatherings around central Delhi. Security has reportedly been tightened around Parliament, key government buildings and major roads leading into the New Delhi district, with additional personnel deployed to regulate movement and ensure that any assemblies remain within the bounds of the law.
Authorities have reiterated that Jantar Mantar Road remains the designated venue where permitted demonstrations may be held, while unauthorised marches and processions elsewhere in the district are prohibited during the period in which the orders remain in force.
What Is Section 163 of the BNSS?
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaced Section 144 of the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), empowers a District Magistrate or other authorised executive magistrate to issue temporary prohibitory orders in urgent situations to prevent threats to public order, human safety, riots or disturbances.
The provision allows authorities to restrict public gatherings, processions, demonstrations or movement in specified areas for a limited period when there is a perceived risk of violence or disruption. While the section is intended to help maintain law and order, its use has often been debated, with critics cautioning against excessive restrictions on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free expression.
Monsoon Session Brings Heightened Security
The advisory follows reports of calls by various groups for a march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Although Delhi Police has not identified any specific organisation in its public statement, it has maintained that no application seeking permission for such a march was received or approved.
The restrictions under Section 163 BNSS are commonly imposed during periods of heightened security or anticipated public mobilisation to minimise the risk of clashes, traffic disruptions or threats to public safety. In previous years, similar measures have been enforced around Parliament during major legislative sessions, national events and large-scale protests.
The designated protest site at Jantar Mantar has long served as a recognised space where individuals and organisations can stage demonstrations after obtaining the necessary permissions. By distinguishing between authorised protests and unauthorised processions, the police have sought to balance the need for public order with the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Citizens have been advised to remain informed through official channels and avoid circulating or acting upon unverified information regarding protest plans or public gatherings.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
A healthy democracy depends on both the protection of citizens’ right to peaceful protest and the effective maintenance of public safety. As tensions often rise during politically significant events such as Parliament sessions, it becomes even more important for authorities to communicate restrictions clearly, enforce them fairly and ensure that lawful avenues for public expression remain accessible. Equally, citizens and organisations have a responsibility to respect legal procedures, remain informed through credible sources and engage peacefully when expressing their views.
Transparent communication, mutual trust and dialogue are far more effective in preserving democratic values than confrontation or misinformation. The challenge lies in ensuring that security measures remain proportionate while safeguarding the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. As Delhi witnesses increased security and public attention during the Monsoon Session, the emphasis should remain on peaceful engagement, responsible civic participation and respect for the rule of law.
How can governments, law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to protect both democratic freedoms and public safety during moments of heightened political activity?
Also Read: After Protests, Uttarakhand Halts Felling of 4,369 Trees for Highway Expansion
🚨Prohabitory orders u/s 163 BNSS are in force in New Delhi District except designated protest site at Jantar Mantar Road.
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) July 19, 2026
Further, no permission has been sought or granted for any proposed march to Parliament on 20 July 2026.
Citizens are advised not to participate in any… pic.twitter.com/aUio5slVM6
