Begging banned in Maharashtra’s Nagpur ahead of G20 meet; jail for up to six months
After midnight on Wednesday, the rule will also come into force and is due to remain in place until April 30, unless it is withdrawn earlier.
Nagpur: In a first-of-its-kind action, city police chief Amitesh Kumar on Wednesday issued a notification under Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting individuals or groups from begging or forcing passers-by to pay money at traffic junctions or any other public places.
After midnight on Wednesday, the rule will also come into force and is due to remain in place until April 30, unless it is withdrawn earlier. City police chief Amitesh Kumar has also said that this decision has been taken not only in view of the G20 summit and C20 meetings on March 19-20 but also due to other pressing issues.
The CP has also highlighted the fact that many beggars were involved in ‘objectionable acts’, which were coercing people to give money. City police chief Amitesh Kumar has also said that beggars have also been a source of ‘public nuisance’ by obstructing the smooth flow of traffic and movement of pedestrians.
According to the notification, if violated, penal action will be taken under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under this, the criminal can be sent behind bars for a period of one month or up to six months. Depending on the circumstances, other sections of the law will also be invoked.
Presence of beggars even on the streets gives a bad name to the city
Earlier also, city police chief Amitesh Kumar invoked Section 144 of CrPC to prevent transgenders from begging at traffic junctions, and public places, And he was also barred from asking for donations at weddings and such places. However, the CP had relaxed the rules and allowed transgenders to visit such places if they were invited.
Police and NMC were discussing for the past almost a week to plan the drive, cp said adding that the presence of beggars even on the streets gives a bad name to the city, at a time when it is being beautified in view of the G20 summit.
“Begging had become a nuisance to motorists. Even pedestrians were harassed by beggars who occupied traffic islands, road dividers and footpaths,” said the CP adding that some of these beggars are also involved in criminal activities.
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