Anticipating major public disruption and potential unrest following a statewide call for a massive farmers’ rally and a “Jail Bharo” agitation, the Belagavi City Police have clamped prohibitory orders across key jurisdictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The restrictions came into effect at 6:00 AM on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and will remain in force until 6:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Farmers Call for Massive Demonstration
Farmer organizations and state leaders, spearheaded by farmer representative Chunnappa Pujari, issued a rallying call urging thousands of farmers across Karnataka to descend on Belagavi. The agitation demands immediate state intervention regarding fair sugarcane procurement pricing and related agricultural concerns.
The organizers designated the prominent Rani Chennamma Circle as the main congregation point, with plans to march toward the Hindalga Central Prison to stage a “Jail Bharo” agitation.
Police Issue Prohibitory Orders Under Section 163 BNSS
Acting on inputs submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Belagavi City Police Commissioner and Additional District Magistrate Nikam Prakash Amrit, IPS, passed an official order prohibiting unauthorized gatherings and unlawful assemblies.
The administration highlighted that Rani Chennamma Circle is one of the most vital transit arteries in Belagavi, providing critical access to major hospitals, educational institutions, the central bus stand, court complexes, and key administrative offices. A mass convergence at the circle, coupled with a march to the Hindalga Central Prison—a sensitive high-security facility housing undertrial and convicted prisoners—poses significant risks to public safety, traffic flow, and peace.
Jurisdictions Covered
The prohibitory restrictions apply to all areas falling under the following police station limits:
- Khade Bazar Sub-Division: Khade Bazar, Camp, Tilakwadi, and Udyambag.
- Market Sub-Division: Market, Malmaruti, Shahapur, and APMC.
- Belagavi Rural Sub-Division: Belagavi Rural.
Key Restrictions Enforced
Under the order issued under Section 163 BNSS, the following activities are strictly prohibited within the notified areas:
- Gathering or assembling of five or more persons in public places.
- Carrying or brandishing lethal weapons, sticks, spears, swords, guns, knives, iron rods, or any objects that could cause bodily harm.
- Carrying, hoarding, or throwing stones, corrosive substances, fire accelerants, or explosive materials.
- Shouting provocative slogans, staging inflammatory speeches, distributing offensive pamphlets, singing provocative songs, or using loudspeakers in public spots without prior authorization.
- Exemptions: Funeral processions and official events with pre-approved statutory permissions remain exempt from these prohibitions.
The police commissioner cautioned that strict penal action under relevant provisions of the BNSS and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) will be initiated against anyone attempting to violate the order or disrupt civil order. Additional security forces and checkposts have been deployed across key road corridors entering Belagavi to maintain vigil.
