Mumbai tightens security, imposes prohibitory orders till August 6 after NEET protests

The restrictions come days after police booked nearly 900 people over demonstrations linked to the NEET paper leak agitation, citing intelligence inputs about possible disturbances to public order.

Mumbai tightens security, imposes prohibitory orders till August 6 after NEET protests

Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) participate in a protest against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on July 22, 2026. The demonstrations were followed by prohibitory orders across the city until August 6. (Photo: IANS)

Mumbai Police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city from Thursday until August 6, barring unlawful assemblies and several other activities after recent demonstrations held in support of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) campaign over the NEET paper leak.

The restrictions, issued on Tuesday under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, are aimed at preventing any breach of peace and maintaining public order. Police said intelligence inputs indicated the possibility of disturbances and threats to life and property.

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The order follows a series of protests organised in solidarity with the CJP movement at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Earlier, Mumbai Police registered eight FIRs against nearly 900 people who participated in demonstrations over the alleged examination irregularities.

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Security has also been stepped up at sensitive locations across the city to prevent fresh protests or any law-and-order issues during the period the restrictions remain in force.

What the prohibitory orders ban

Under the order, carrying arms or explosives has been prohibited. The restrictions also bar unlawful assemblies and prohibit public slogans, speeches, songs and music linked to demonstrations.

The order further bans the display of effigies, placards, symbols, pictures or other material that, in the opinion of the competent authority, could undermine public order, offend decency or morality, or affect the security of the State.

Action against unauthorised protests

Police warned that any protest held without prior permission could invite legal action.

Violators may face cases under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act for disobeying lawful orders. Authorities may also invoke Sections 189 and 190 of the BNS, which relate to unlawful assembly.

The restrictions come after large-scale demonstrations on July 20, when thousands of CJP supporters and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak.

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