Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 May 2024
In response to the rising crime rates in the South Andaman District and apprehension that anti-social elements may make their hideouts clandestinely in residential and commercial areas, the District Magistrate has invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr. P.C.) as an emergency measure to prevent anti-social elements from using residential and commercial areas as hideouts. This directive aims to maintain public peace and safety, and to protect both human life and public property from potential threats posed by these individuals.
As part of the order, landlords, property owners, and managers of residential and commercial establishments are required to report any rental or sub-letting arrangements to the local police station before renting out or sub-letting their premises. This includes providing detailed information about tenants and paying guests. Additionally, no one is permitted to employ servants or house helps without first submitting their details to the police.
The regulation mandates that all residential and commercial establishments who offer accommodation to tenants & paying guests or offer employment to house help/maids/servants must notify the police in writing with the particulars of their tenants, paying guests, and servants. Failure to comply with this order will result in action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
This directive took effect from midnight on May 18, 2024, and will remain in force for 60 days. It also applies to those who currently have domestic servants or maids and have not yet reported them to the police.
The District Administration has emphasised that these measures are crucial to prevent anti-social elements from causing harm under the guise of ordinary tenants, domestic servants, or paying guests. The Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman has warned that any non-compliance with this order will be met with strict consequences.
This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and tranquility of the community by keeping a vigilant check on unscrupulous activities.