Cr.P.C Section 144

Power to issue order absolute at once in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.

(1) In cases where, in the opinion of [the Zila Nazim upon the written recommendation of the District Superintendent of Police or Executive District Officer] [ there is sufficient ground for proceeding under this section and] immediate prevention or speedy remedy is desirable,

[the Zila Nazim] may, by a written order stating the material facts of the case and served in manner provided by section 134, direct any person to abstain from a certain act or to take certain order with certain property in his possession or under his management, if [the Zila Nazim] considers that such direction is likely to prevent, or tends to prevent, obstruction, annoyance or injury, or risk of obstruction, annoyance or injury, to any person lawfully employed, or danger to human life, health or safety, or a disturbance of the public tranquillity, or a riot, or an affray.

(2) An order under this section may, in cases of emergency or in cases where the circumstances do not admit of the serving in due time of a notice upon the person against whom the order is directed, be passed, exparte.

(3) An order under this section may be directed to a particular individual, or to the public generally when frequenting or visiting a particular place.

(4) 1[The Zila Nazim] may, [either on his own motion or on the application of any person aggrieved], rescind or alter any order made under this section by himself [** * * * * *] or by his predecessor in office.

(5) Where such an application is received, the [Zila Nazim] shall afford to the applicant an early opportunity of appearing before him either in person or by pleader and showing cause against the order ; and, if the [Zila Nazim] rejects the application wholly or in part, he shall record in writing his reasons for so doing.]

(6) No order under this section shall remain in force for more than two [consecutive days and not more than seven days in a month] from the making thereof ; unless, in cases of danger to human life, health or safety, or a likelihood of a riot or an affray, the [Provincial Government], by notification in the official Gazette, otherwise directs.

(7) In the application of subsections (1) to (6) to the districts where the local Government elections have not been held, or the Zila Nazim has not assumed charge of office, any reference in those provisions to the Zila Nazim shall be read as a reference to the District Coordination Officer in relation to such districts:

Provided that this subsection shall cease to have effect, and shall be deemed to have been repealed, at the time when local Governments are installed in the districts as aforesaid.]