Udupi, August 21, 2025: In response to the detention of activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi in connection with a hate speech case (Crime No. 177/2025) at Brahmavar Police Station, the Udupi District Magistrate has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. The orders, effective from 1:00 PM on August 21 to 1:00 PM on August 22, 2025, cover a 500-meter radius around the Brahmavar Police Station to prevent untoward incidents and maintain public order.
The decision follows the arrest of Timarodi, a Soujanya case activist, from his residence in Ujire on August 21, after he failed to comply with a notice to appear for questioning. His detention sparked tensions as supporters gathered outside his home, necessitating preemptive measures to ensure law and order in Brahmavar.
The prohibitory orders include the following restrictions:
- Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
- Carrying or brandishing weapons such as firearms, knives, sticks, or any objects that could cause harm is banned.
- Possession, storage, or transportation of stones, corrosive substances, explosives, or flammable materials is prohibited.
- Throwing stones or objects that can be used as projectiles is restricted.
- Displaying or burning effigies, human remains, or their representations is banned.
- Use of loudspeakers is prohibited.
- Public sloganeering, singing provocative songs, playing instruments, delivering speeches, or engaging in acts that could offend public decency or morality is restricted.
- Displaying inflammatory songs, images, symbols, or writings that could disrupt public peace or law and order is prohibited.
- Police are authorized to seize prohibited items, and violators will face legal action, with confiscated items forfeited to the government.
- No public meetings are allowed during this period.
These restrictions do not apply to on-duty police officers. The orders aim to prevent any disturbances in Udupi district, which has seen heightened tensions due to recent events, including Timarodi’s legal battles and public protests.
