The Datia district administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across the entire Datia subdivision following violent protests over the BJP's candidate selection for the upcoming assembly bypoll. The prohibitory orders came into effect at 9 pm on July 10 and will remain in force until further notice.

The decision follows large-scale demonstrations triggered by the BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra for the Datia Assembly by-election. The protests escalated into a prolonged blockade on the Gwalior-Jhansi National Highway, leading to traffic disruption, stone-pelting and damage to several vehicles.

Restrictions Under Section 163

Under the new orders issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), no public meetings, rallies, processions, demonstrations or protests can be organised without prior permission from the administration.

The order also prohibits gatherings of more than five people at one place without official approval. Carrying weapons such as sticks, swords, spears, axes, knives or other dangerous objects in public has also been banned.

Authorities have further restricted the use of loudspeakers, public address systems and other sound-amplifying devices without permission.

Monitoring Social Media and Public Messaging

The administration has warned against circulating any content through social media, posters, banners, slogans or speeches that could disturb communal harmony or affect law and order during the election period.

Officials said strict monitoring will be carried out to ensure compliance with the Election Commission's guidelines as well as to maintain peace throughout the bypoll campaign.

Residents have been urged not to believe rumours and to rely only on official information issued by the administration.

Action After Highway Blockade

The administration cited the 15–20 kilometre traffic jam on the Jhansi-Gwalior National Highway during the protests on the night of July 10 as one of the key reasons for imposing the restrictions.

According to officials, the blockade caused severe inconvenience to commuters, while incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism were also reported.

The prohibitory orders are intended to prevent a recurrence of such incidents during the election period.

Additional Laws to Be Enforced

Besides Section 163 of the BNSS, authorities said provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, the Madhya Pradesh Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1994, the Madhya Pradesh Noise Control Act, 1985, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 will also be enforced strictly.

The restrictions, however, will not apply to police personnel, Home Guards, CRPF, other central armed police forces, or government and judicial officials performing official duties.

Administration Warns of Strict Action

District Collector Swapnil Wankhede said ensuring a peaceful, free and transparent Datia Assembly by-election remains the administration's highest priority.

He warned that anyone violating the prohibitory orders would face legal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additional police forces have already been deployed, and surveillance has been intensified in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.

With Section 163 now in force, political activity in Datia is expected to continue under heightened security as campaigning for the July 30 bypoll gathers momentum.