Panaji: Hours after imposing prohibitory orders ahead of Ayodhya Verdict in the State, Goa government on Friday clarified that the prohibition will not affect upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
State Administration on Thursday had imposed prohibitory orders in Goa due to pending verdict on Ayodhya before the Supreme Court.
District Magistrate Vikash S N Gaunekar on Friday said that since IFFI is a government function, it would not be covered under prohibitory orders.
The IFFI would be held between November 20-28 in Panaji.
In an addendum issued on Friday, Gaunekar has said that the restrictions are not applicable to any official events, functions or gatherings of central government, state government, semi-government organizations, autonomous bodies, educational institutions etc.
Sports events, private weddings, birthday parties and other indoor private functions are also not banned under the orders.
Gaunekar said that traditional, religious and cultural events are also not covered under the order.
On Thursday, Gaunekar in the order issued had stated that there is a possibility of processions and/or protests by various groups which is likely to disturb peace and tranquility within the district.
Gaunekar has said that there is every possibility that such processions, morchas, protests etc. may create serious law and order situation and hamper the peace and tranquility, thereby bringing disrepute to the state and causing disturbance in normal economic and cultural life.
“After considering the possible situation of law and order that may arise it is expedint to take urgent preventive measures to prevent violence, disturbance and law and order issues,” the order reads.
The District magistrate has said that he is “satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for proceeding under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and that there are circumstances do now allow the service of notice individually.”
“Therefore, the magistrate, executing his powers under section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure has probihited gathering of five or more persons, taking out processions or rallies within the state, carrying of firearms or weapons of offences such as lathis, swords, daggers or spear etc., the use of loudspeaker or amplified sound in public place without permission of competent authority, shouting of slogans in public places and burning of fire crackers in public places or streets etc.,” he had said.
