Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 May 2024
The District Magistrate of North and Middle Andaman, Dilkhush Meena, IAS, has issued a new directive aimed at preventing anti-social elements from using residential and commercial properties as hideouts. This measure is intended to maintain public peace and safety in the district.
District Magistrate, Mr. Dilkhush Meena in his order under Section 144 of Cr.P.C expressed concern that without proper preventive measures, the activities of these individuals could pose significant threats to public order and safety. The directive mandates that landlords, owners, and managers of both residential and commercial properties must report details of tenants, paying guests to local police stations in writing before letting out or sub-letting their properties. The order also directs that landlords, owners, tenants and managers of both residential and commercial establishments must report details of domestic help/maids/servants to local police stations before employing them.
Under the order, effective from midnight on May 18, 2024, for a period of 60 days, all property owners and managers are required to submit written particulars of their tenants and domestic workers to the respective Station House Officers within their jurisdiction. This includes those who already have domestic servants/maids but have not yet informed the police. Failure to comply with this order will result in action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
The emergent order is being issued ex-parte and is addressed to the general public. To ensure widespread awareness, copies of the order will be displayed on the notice boards of the District Magistrate’s office and the Additional District & Sessions Court in Mayabunder. Additionally, it will be published in local newspapers through the Office of Information & Publicity, A & N Administration.
The order emphasises the importance of this measure in safeguarding the community from potential threats posed by disguised anti-social elements. The directive is a proactive step to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the district’s residents.