The North Goa District Magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in parts of Panaji, citing apprehensions of a breach of law and order ahead of a planned protest at Azad Maidan.
The order, issued on March 29, follows reports from the Superintendent of Police (North Goa) and intelligence inputs indicating that a protest against the proposed Mirabag Bandhara project is scheduled for March 30, with participation expected from several constituencies in South Goa.
Authorities noted that organisers had not obtained prior permission and that there was a possibility of continued agitation until demands are met. The administration also cited the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Ponda Assembly by-election, stating that any unlawful assembly could impact public order and the conduct of free and fair elections.
The restrictions apply within the jurisdiction of the Panaji Police Station, particularly at Azad Maidan and adjoining areas, from March 30 onwards until further orders.
Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons, rallies, processions, and demonstrations have been prohibited. The carrying of weapons, use of loudspeakers without permission, sloganeering that could incite disorder, obstruction of traffic, and use of firecrackers have also been barred.
Exemptions have been granted to public servants on duty, as well as to bona fide marriage and funeral processions and other events with prior written permission from the competent authority.
Violation of the order is punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
— Vijai Sardesai (@VijaiSardesai) March 30, 2026
We stand firmly with the villagers of Mirabag — come what may. The attempt to silence their democratic voice through prohibitory orders is unacceptable. The North Goa District Collector must stop acting like a political stooge and remember that the… pic.twitter.com/Nb3rsEqgWH
Meanwhile, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the move, expressing support for the villagers opposing the Mirabag project.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We stand firmly with the villagers of Mirabag — come what may. The attempt to silence their democratic voice through prohibitory orders is unacceptable. The North Goa District Collector must stop acting like a political stooge and remember that the administration exists to serve the people, not suppress them. Goa will not be silenced!” Sardesai said in a statement on X.com.
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