Noida Bans Public Gatherings for 13 Days Ahead of Festivals and NEET PG

The Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate has imposed a 13-day restriction on public gatherings across Noida and Greater Noida, starting August 23. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), will remain in effect until September 4. During this period, gatherings of five or more people in public places will be prohibited without prior police permission.

The decision comes in view of several major festivals, including Eid-e-Milad, Rakshabandhan, and Janmashtami, as well as the upcoming NEET PG 2026 examination scheduled for August 30. The order was issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shaivya Goyal, citing the need to maintain public order and prevent potential disturbances during these events.

Under the imposed restrictions, all processions, protests, and public demonstrations will require explicit police approval. Religious events, including prayers and worship, will not be allowed on public roads or in public spaces without permission. Authorities have also directed that no new religious practices be introduced at places where such traditions did not previously exist.

Strict rules have been laid down for the use of loudspeakers. From 10 pm to 6 am, loudspeakers will not be permitted until September 4. Religious places, including temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches, have been instructed to ensure that sound from loudspeakers remains confined to their premises and does not exceed prescribed volume limits.

The order further prohibits actions that could hurt religious sentiments, insult religious scriptures, or involve the display of flags, posters, or banners at religious sites. Carrying or displaying weapons such as lathis, sticks, swords, knives, and tridents in public is also banned during this period.

Additional measures have been introduced for the NEET PG 2026 examination. Within a 200-metre radius of examination centres, gatherings of five or more people will be strictly prohibited. Photocopy and photostat machines will not be allowed to operate within this zone on the day before the exam and on the examination day itself.

Police have urged residents to cooperate with the security arrangements and adhere to the guidelines to ensure peaceful observance of festivals and smooth conduct of the examination. Violations of the order will be dealt with as per legal provisions.