Mumbai Police ban drone, paragliding activities for 30 days citing security concerns

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The Mumbai Police have imposed a 30-day ban on the flying of drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders, para-motors, hand gliders and hot air balloons across the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate area, citing the possibility of their use in terrorist or anti-national attacks.

The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will come into effect from 12.01 am on October 14 and remain in force until midnight on November 12, unless withdrawn earlier.

According to the order issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) and Executive Magistrate Akbar Pathan on October 6, the restrictions have been imposed as a preventive and proactive measure against possible sabotage and threats to VVIPs, the public and public property.

Flying activities restricted

The order prohibits flying activities involving drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders, para-motors, hand gliders and hot air balloons across the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate during the specified period.

However, aerial surveillance carried out by the Mumbai Police has been exempted from the restrictions. Flying activities will also be permitted if specific written permission is obtained from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Brihanmumbai.

The order stated that terrorist and anti-national elements could potentially use such aerial devices to carry out attacks, target VVIPs, endanger the lives of members of the public, damage public property and cause disturbances to law and order.

Action for violations

Anyone found contravening the order will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The police said the order was being issued ex-parte as it was not possible to individually serve notice to all concerned.

Copies of the order will be published through the press and displayed on notice boards at police stations, offices of divisional Assistant Commissioners of Police and zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police, as well as municipal ward offices, tehsil offices and ward offices.

The order was issued from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Brihanmumbai, and was signed by DCP (Operations) Akbar Pathan in his capacity as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) and Executive Magistrate, Greater Mumbai.