Sri Vijaya Puram | February 15, 2026
The District Magistrate, South Andaman District, Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, has issued Order No. 168/2026 dated 15th February, 2026, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in view of a bandh called on 16/02/2026 by certain organizations within the jurisdiction of the district.
The order states that the action was taken based on a report received from the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District vide Letter No. SPD/SA/R/2026/647 dated 15/02/2026 and other reliable sources.
The order refers to the judgment of the Supreme Court of India in Bharat Kumar v. State of Kerala (1998), wherein it was declared that calling for and enforcing a “bandh” is unconstitutional and that no political party or organization has the right to infringe the fundamental rights of other citizens under Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The order notes that present intelligence inputs indicate a strong likelihood of:
- Obstruction of public roads and highways;
- Disruption of public transport services;
- Disruption to Educational Institutions’ exams and academic activities;
- Forcible closure of establishments;
- Disturbance of public order.
It further states that such acts are likely to result in public nuisance, danger to life, obstruction of lawful movement, and infringement of fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
The order emphasizes that uninterrupted operation of educational institutes, transport, hospitals, offices, and essential services is necessary in public interest. It also records that examinations, academic activities and regular classes in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions are scheduled during the said period, and disruption thereof would seriously prejudice the academic interests and future prospects of students.
Stating that immediate preventive action is necessary to avert imminent danger and maintain public tranquility, and after careful consideration of Police reports and intelligence inputs, prevailing law and order situation, likely impact on public life and students, Constitutional and legal obligations, the District Magistrate expressed satisfaction that sufficient grounds exist for proceeding under Section 163 BNSS, 2023, for prevention of disturbance of public tranquility and maintaining public order.
Directions Issued
In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 BNSS, 2023, the District Magistrate has ordered as follows:
1.No person, association, or organization shall cause obstruction to:
-Public roads and highways;
-Bus and Shipping routes, depots, and terminals;
-Educational Institutes;
-Tourist places;
-Public places.
2.No person shall prevent or attempt to prevent the movement of:
-Public and private buses;
-Tourists and Passengers;
-Transport personnel;
-Taxis and Autos;
-Public and private vehicles/vessels.
3. All transport operators shall operate services as per schedule.
4. No person shall:
-Assemble in groups of five or more persons at any location;
-Carry weapons, sticks, stones, or inflammable materials;
-Block roads or public ways;
-Intimidate or coerce any person;
-Enforce closure of shops, offices, or institutions.
5. No meeting, rally, procession, protest or demonstration shall be held without prior written permission.
6. No person or group shall obstruct or interfere with:
-Conduct of examinations, tests, and evaluations;
-Movement of students, teachers, invigilators and staff;
-Entry and exit to educational institutions and hostels;
-Operation of school and college transport services.
7. No intimidation, blockade, or protest shall be permitted in the vicinity of any educational institution.
8. Officers concerned with Government and Private educational institutes, namely Director School Education, Director Higher Education, University Authorities, College and School Principals, Teaching Staff, Members of Educational Institutes etc., shall ensure smooth conduct of exams and academic activities.
9. The Superintendent of Police shall ensure:
-Adequate deployment at vulnerable points;
-Special security at examination centers and campuses;
-Escort for buses where required;
-Continuous patrolling.
10. The Director Transport shall ensure operation of all scheduled public and private transport services.
11. The Director Shipping shall ensure operation of all scheduled public and private ferry services.
The order states that any violation shall attract action under Section 223 BNS, 2023 and relevant provisions of BNSS and other applicable laws.
Duration and Applicability
The order shall remain in force on 16/02/2026 within the entire South Andaman District unless withdrawn earlier.
It shall not apply to Executive Magistrates, Police Personnel and other Public servants on duty.
In view of imminent threat to public order, essential services, conduct of examinations and keeping in mind the interest of students, the order has been passed ex parte in exercise of emergency powers.
The order shall be announced through public address systems, Press, Media, displayed at prominent public places, circulated to all departments, and uploaded on the official website of the A&N Administration.
The order was issued under the hand and seal of the District Magistrate on 15th February, 2026.
