Mumbai: Mumbai Police have imposed 15-day prohibitory orders across Greater Mumbai ahead of the Ganeshotsav celebrations, restricting the assembly of five or more people, public processions and the use of loudspeakers and other sound-amplifying equipment without permission.
The restrictions will come into force at midnight on September 9 and remain effective until 11:59 pm on September 23, 2026, covering the period during which Ganeshotsav and related public celebrations are taking place. The order has been issued as a preventive measure amid concerns over public peace, safety and the possibility of disturbances.
What the order prohibits
Under the order, the following activities are restricted across the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Police Commissioner:
- Assembly of five or more persons without the required authorisation.
- Public processions by individuals or groups.
- Use of loudspeakers and sound-amplifying instruments during processions.
- Use of musical bands during processions.
- Bursting of firecrackers during processions.
The restrictions have been imposed under Section 37(3), read with Section 10(2), of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. Police authorities said the measure is intended to prevent breaches of peace, disturbances to public tranquillity, unlawful assemblies and situations that could pose a threat to life and property.
The Maharashtra Police’s own guidance explains that prohibitory orders under Section 37 can restrict assemblies of five or more people, processions and the use of loudspeakers, amplifying instruments, musical bands and crackers. Such orders are generally issued for periods of up to 15 days at a time.
Ganeshotsav celebrations to continue with permissions
The restrictions do not amount to a blanket ban on Ganeshotsav celebrations. Several routine, religious, educational, commercial and official activities have been kept outside the scope of the order.
Exemptions include marriage and matrimonial functions, funeral assemblies and processions proceeding to cremation or burial grounds, statutory meetings of companies and organisations, routine commercial activities, and gatherings at schools and colleges for academic purposes. Assemblies connected with courts and government offices, as well as permitted activities at cinemas and theatres, are also exempted.
Importantly, gatherings or processions that receive specific permission from the competent police authorities can also be exempted from the prohibitory order.
Mumbai Police’s online process for procession permissions requires organisers to apply in advance. The police website states that applications should generally be submitted at least seven days before the proposed procession, while organisers are required to follow the approved route and other safety and traffic conditions.
Preventive measure, not a citywide shutdown
Police authorities have stressed that the restrictions are preventive in nature and aimed at ensuring that the festival period passes peacefully. The order follows inputs indicating a potential threat to public peace and safety, including the possibility of disturbances affecting human life and property.
The timing is particularly significant as Mumbai prepares for one of its biggest annual public festivals. Ganeshotsav traditionally brings large crowds onto roads and into public spaces, with idol installations, cultural programmes and immersion processions generating substantial movement across the city.
The Mumbai Police has also been making preparations for crowd and traffic management during the festival. Its official website currently provides dedicated information and facilities related to Ganpati immersion arrangements in different parts of Mumbai.
Legal action for violations
The authorities have warned that unauthorised assemblies and activities violating the prohibitory order can attract legal action. The order also provides that investigations, proceedings and penalties initiated for violations during its validity will not lapse merely because the restrictions expire on September 23.
The restrictions are therefore expected to have a direct impact on the organisation of Ganeshotsav processions, public gatherings and sound systems, with organisers being required to obtain necessary permissions and comply with police directions.
For Mumbai residents and Ganesh mandals, the key message is clear: Ganeshotsav celebrations can continue, but large public gatherings, processions and specified sound-related activities during the 15-day period must comply with the police order and applicable permissions.
