The Pune Police Commissionerate has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — the successor to the widely-known Section 144 of the CrPC — imposing a sweeping 14-day prohibitory order across the city effective May 26 to June 8, 2026.

The order covers gatherings, protests, weapons, inflammatory material and vehicle movement in select zones. Authorities have warned of strict legal action against violators and left open the possibility of extension beyond June 8 based on ground conditions.

Here is everything Pune residents need to know.

Why has Pune imposed the curfew?

The Pune Police have cited three primary reasons for the order:

1. Security and Crowd Control for Bakri Eid and Upcoming Festivals Large-scale festivals and congregations historically require heightened security coordination in Pune, which has experienced communal tension in previous years around major religious events.

2. Political mobilisation risk. The order explicitly names rallies, dharnas, demonstrations, bandhs and hunger strikes by "various political parties and social organisations" as a trigger for the preventive action. Pre-emptive curfew orders ahead of potentially disruptive political activity are a common administrative tool under BNSS Section 163.

3. Ongoing anti-encroachment operations. Pune Municipal and police authorities have been conducting enforcement drives in several areas of the city, and the order is intended to prevent organised resistance or crowd obstruction of official work.

Authorities have stated the order may be extended further if the ground situation warrants it.

What is banned under the order?

The prohibitory order covers a broad range of activities across Pune city. Key bans include:

Gatherings and demonstrations:

• All protests, marches, rallies, dharnas and public demonstrations

• Unauthorised public meetings and congregations

• Bandhs and hunger strikes organised by any group

Weapons and dangerous materials:

• Carrying or possessing stones, projectiles, or any objects that can be used for violence

• Possessing or displaying spears, swords, clubs, sticks or firearms in public

• Carrying flammable, explosive or combustible materials

Inflammatory and provocative acts:

• Burning or displaying photographs, symbolic effigies or images of any individual

• Raising offensive slogans or delivering provocative speeches in public

• Displaying offensive placards, signs or images

• Playing musical instruments in a manner that disrupts public order

• Circulating speeches, visuals or objects that may threaten public morality or incite unrest

What are the vehicle restrictions?

Pune authorities have imposed limits on unnecessary vehicle movement in designated areas of the city as part of the order. While a blanket vehicle ban across all of Pune has not been imposed, police checkpoints and monitoring have been intensified across key corridors.

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel within sensitive zones flagged by the Pune Police Commissionerate

• Carry valid ID and purpose documentation if travelling during high-alert hours

• Follow real-time traffic advisories issued by the Pune Traffic Police on their official social media channels

The report also referenced fuel conservation as a stated concern behind the vehicle movement restrictions,suggesting the order partly aims to reduce non-essential travel citywide during the period.

Who is exempt?

The following categories are explicitly or implicitly exempted from the order:

Private citizens attending religious observances for Bakri Eid are expected to be permitted, though large processions may face route and timing restrictions coordinated by police. Residents should verify with their local police station or the Pune Police Commissionerate's official advisory before planning movement during the period.

What are the penalties for violation?

Pune Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found violating the order. Under BNSS Section 163 (formerly Section 144 CrPC), violations are cognisable offences and can result in:

• Immediate arrest without warrant

• Criminal proceedings under relevant IPC/BNS provisions

• Detention pending bail depending on the nature and severity of the violation

Authorities have also specifically cautioned against the spread of misinformation or inflammatory content on social media during the period which could attract additional charges under IT Act provisions.

How long will it last and can it be extended?

The current order runs from May 26 to June 8, 2026 — 14 days. However, the Pune Police Commissionerate has explicitly stated that the order "may be extended further if required based on the ground situation."

Given that June 8 falls the day after Bakri Eid, and depending on how the situation unfolds, a short extension into the following week is possible. Residents should monitor official Pune Police communications for any updates.

What should Pune residents do right now?

Check your area. The order applies citywide under Pune Police Commissionerate jurisdiction. If you live in Pimpri-Chinchwad (a separate commissionerate), verify whether a parallel order applies there.

Avoid unnecessary travel in flagged zones. Police checkpoints are active. If you must travel, carry ID and be prepared to explain your purpose.

Do not share unverified information. Forwarding unconfirmed news or inflammatory content on WhatsApp or social media during a prohibitory order period is an enforceable offence.

Plan Eid gatherings carefully. If your family or community has Bakri Eid plans involving large gatherings, coordinate with your local police station on permitted routes and timing to avoid complications.

Stay updated through official channels. Follow @PuneCityPolice on X (Twitter) and the official Pune Police website for daily advisories.

The bottom line

The 14-day prohibitory order is a broad preventive measure not a blanket lockdown of the kind seen in 2020–21. Essential life continues: shops, services and individual movement for legitimate purposes remain functional. The order is primarily aimed at organised public activity, weapons possession and inflammatory conduct.

That said, the scope of what is banned under Section 163 BNSS is wide, penalties are real, and the June 8 end date is not guaranteed. If you are in Pune between now and June 8, stay informed, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and follow the official advisories.