Raghbir Singh Brar
Faridkot
Email:raghbirsinghbrar@gmail.com
August 17,2026
District Magistrate Rahul Chaba, IAS has issued orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 imposing restrictions on loudspeakers, encroachments, tobacco sale near schools, unlit vehicles, and filling of public ponds. Officials admit these violations are common in broad daylight, but little action is taken to enforce the bans.
District Magistrate Faridkot, Rahul Chaba, IAS, has issued a set of restriction orders for the district under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
According to the orders, the administration has imposed a ban on the use of loudspeakers without permission within Faridkot limits. Under the Punjab Instruments (Control of Noises) Act, 1956, loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 PM and 6 AM without written approval from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Officials said loudspeakers are frequently used during cultural, religious and celebratory events, leading to disturbance of public peace.
A ban has also been imposed on encroaching upon government land meant for public pathways and roads. The DM warned that violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In a move aimed at protecting students, the administration has prohibited the storage, sale to persons below 18 years, and use of tobacco within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions. The DM stated that tobacco use causes serious physical and mental health problems.
Another order prohibits plying of bicycles, rickshaws, tractor-trolleys, carts and similar vehicles without red reflectors or reflective tape at the front and rear. The DM noted that such vehicles often cause accidents, leading to financial and human loss and sometimes creating law and order problems.
The fifth major restriction is on filling public ponds in rural areas without prior approval. The DM said people and panchayats often fill ponds, which blocks natural water drainage in villages and leads to disputes. No person or panchayat can fill a public pond without permission from the DM, concerned SDM, or BDPO.
Violation in broad daylight, little enforcement
Despite these orders, sources in the administration admit that most of these violations take place openly. Loudspeakers blare late at night, tobacco is easily available near school gates, and unlit tractor-trolleys and carts are commonly seen on roads after sunset. Encroachment on public roads and filling of ponds also continue with little action on the ground.
Section 163 of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 – BNSS
This is the new version of the old CrPC Section 144 CRPC Came into effect from 1st July 2024.
*1. What is it?
I
emergency power” given to the District Magistrate, Additional DM, or SDM to issue immediate orders to prevent danger to human life, health, safety, or to stop disturbance of public peace.