Delhi Police invokes BNSS section 163: What is it, how is it different from 144 CrPC? — Check what's allowed, what's not

Delhi Police on Monday invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in New Delhi area ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma issued a public advisory, warning protestors against participating in Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’s “Chalo Sansad” protest.

To maintain law and order in the national capital during the Monsoon Session, restrictive orders are in place, prohibiting unauthorized gatherings and demonstrations in sensitive areas. Security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar, Parliament and other key locations as the CJP announced protest march to the Parliament against alleged NEET irregularities.

In a post on X, DCP Sachin Sharma stated, “Prohabitory orders u/s 163 BNSS are in force in New Delhi District except designated protest site at Jantar Mantar Road. Further, no permission has been sought or granted for any proposed march to Parliament on 20 July 2026.”

The post added, “Citizens are advised not to participate in any unauthorised gathering or procession.” The order issued by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sub-Division Parliament Street, New Delhi District, Ajay Sharma, states that anyone violating the order will be punishable under Section 223 of BNSS.

What is 163 BNSS?

Replacing Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, Section 163 of BNSS is one of the most important preventive provisions in India’s criminal procedure framework. This prohibitory order empowers Executive Magistrates to issue temporary orders to maintain public order and prevent imminent threats to life, safety, health and public tranquillity.

Delhi Police clarified that no permission has been sought or granted for CJP protest march or procession. "Accordingly, protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, with prior permission," the Delhi Police order said.

Areas where 163 BNSS has been invoked

Excluding the exempted area of Jantar Mantar Road, the prohibitory order applies to the entire area of the Sub-Division Parliament Street. As per the order, activities in the exempted area may be permitted beyond 5:00 pm only if prior written permission is obtained.

According to PTI report, security has also been increased around Parliament Street, Central Vista, Connaught Place, Shankar Chowk and other key installations. Besides deployment of additional personnel, rapid response teams have also been roped in amid high alert. Multi-layered barricading, intensified vehicle checks, enhanced surveillance, anti-sabotage checks and round-the-clock patrolling are effective in New Delhi, Central Delhi and parts of North Delhi.

The police said the CJP has not obtained permission for the proposed march. "We are determined not to allow any unauthorised march towards the high-security zone," PTI quoted police official as saying.

With preventive deployment to stay in place throughout the Parliament session until 13 August, several entry points have already been turned into high-security zones.

"Every vehicle entering the New Delhi district is being thoroughly checked. Additional pickets have been set up at strategic locations, and reserve forces have been kept on standby. CCTV surveillance has also been intensified across sensitive areas," a source informed PTI.

Further giving an insight to the elaborate security arrangements around the protest site, the source added, “Security has been significantly stepped up in and around Jantar Mantar, with a three-tier security arrangement put in place to maintain law and order. Two layers of Delhi Police personnel and one layer of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area. The security grid will remain in place round the clock to ensure that the situation remains peaceful.”

What's allowed and what's not

Under 163 BNSS, the following activities are prohibited in the New Delhi district:

• Holding of any public meeting
• Assembly of five or more persons
• Carrying fire-arms, banners, placards, lathis, spears, swords, sticks and brickbats
• Shouting of slogans
• Making speeches
• Processions and demonstrations
• Picketing or dharnas at any public place within the specified area without written permission