With Strict Rules Set by Police Department for New Year’s Eve, It’s BETTER To Stay HOME?
Mangaluru: With strict guidelines set by Police Commissioner T R Suresh, it seems like there should not be No Parties After the dot of Midnight On New Year’s Eve- because police believe that it may Encourage Drugs, Sex, and even fights. Even the Right wing groups want hotels/pubs/bars in Mangaluru to be closed before midnight on December 31st, but in response, Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy had said people have no authority to make such a decision. “The Bajrang Dal and other people have no authority to say this. Every year they say like this. They have no right,” the minister had said.
After targeting Valentine ‘s Day for years, self-appointed moral police in Mangaluru now seem to have a problem with New Year’s Eve celebrations. Right-wing groups, including the Bajrang Dal and the VHP, want hotels and other party places in the city to be closed before midnight on the 31st as they believe these parties “encourage drugs and sex”. They have also approached the police with this demand. Mangaluru district is no stranger to moral policing, even after the pub attack by the Sri Ram Sene which are still vivid memories.
And now, he city police commissioner T R Suresh has issued new guidelines to maintain law and order ahead of New Year celebrations, and prevent any untoward incidents taking place past midnight. The Police Commissioner in a press release, has directed all the hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts and other organisations holding New Year celebrations to get prior permission from the department- if not action will be taken against those who do not seek permission. And that all parties and celebrations must end by midnight (12 am). The release also states that organizers should arrange for an ambulance and take other precautionary measures to handle emergency situations.
The release also mentions that new Year Eve parties organizers should get permission in letter from the excise department to provide alcohol and also submit the same copy to the police commissioner. And as an added security, this year for safety of women, the organizers must have lady cops at the venue. Also, the organizers are urged to install CCTV cameras at the venue and also provide recorded footage’s for verification purposes in case needed during the investigation. All said, and If a situation goes out of control in bars/pubs/hotels and other places supplying liquor, action will be taken under column 21 of Karnataka Excise Act of 1965. Also, the organizers have been asked to make arrangements for separate parking facility and action will be taken if the vehicles are parked in public places.
Other guidelines issued by the police commissioner are:
– No liquor to be served to youth below 18 years.
– Drunken driving has been prohibited. A special squad has been formed to keep an eye on drunken driving
-The loudspeakers must not be used defying the Noise Pollution Rules of 2000 act. The sound limit at residential areas is 45 dB.
– No entry to youngsters below 18 years to parties, without accompanied by guardians.
– Organizers will be answerable if any untoward incident occurs at the venue.
– A special mention has been made that women and children should not be disturbed or harassed during the celebration or afterwards or even be greeted against their wish.
– Obscene dance and gambling has been prohibited. Special squad has been formed to ensure safety of women and children.
– Smoking and consuming alcohol in the public places has been banned.
– Students and youngsters have been asked not to behave in an indecent manner while celebrating New Year.
– Wheeling, drag race, screaming and over speed while driving is not allowed.
– No celebration is allowed in front of residential buildings, student hostels, working women hostels.
– Consuming alcohol on beaches and obscene dance and gambling is not allowed.
– Firecrackers/fireworks have been banned.
In conclusion in my perspective, Mangaloreans have seen such kind of guidelines in the past, and such kind of kind of guidelines have NOT been IMPOSED strictly- and it will be the same case this year too? Last year people were partying on the beach till 3 am in the morning, and the cops were busy enjoying the display of fireworks at the beach entrance. Even some watering holes were open past midnight- it all depends on how the pub/bar/hotel owners deal with the cops- “moolah” is the secret code! Even fireworks were seen in the skies in the late night hours- did anyone stop it- NO! And if they want the party to end by midnight, how would anyone welcome NEW YEAR with a hug or Cheers with a glass in hand! Guess they will have to do it, and rush out of the venue, before being busted by cops. Aren’t we happy to be in Mangaluru for New Year Eve’s bash, while in Bangalore and other cities the curfew for NY parties to end is 2 am. Oh well, the best way to celebrate NY Eve without getting into trouble with the law, is to stay indoors in the comfort of your homes or home-stay or resorts- without stepping out on the streets. Beware- You’ll be watched and cracked down. It really does seem to be New Year …old attitudes?.
