Prohibitory orders imposed in Dehradun industrial area following labour unrest

The Dehradun district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Selaqui and SIDCUL industrial area on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the day after the workers’ protest over issues related to wages and overtime allegedly turned violent.

Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Krishna Kumar Mishra issued prohibitory orders to maintain law and order as per directions of Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal.

Workers in large industrial units in the region started protests on the evening of Friday, May 15, 2026, demanding a wage increase from the relevant administrations. Protesting workers blocking roads and allegedly pelting stones led the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) and subsequently detain a large number of protesters.

According to the official statement, the prohibitory orders prohibit people from carrying guns, lathis, sticks, swords or lethal objects in the areas. It is forbidden to collect or store bricks, stones and materials that can be used for violent purposes. Protesters cannot hold sloganeering events, public meetings, rallies or demonstrations without prior official permission, authorities said.

In accordance with the new directive, the administration has restricted the use of loudspeakers in public spaces. Gatherings of five or more people remain prohibited in all public places within the regions, officials said, adding that the orders also ban marches involving groups of buses, tractor-trams or other means of transportation.

Authorities said people who damage public property will face strict legal action. These measures were taken to ensure peace, security and mutual harmony in the region.

“Any violation of the same will attract penal sanctions under Article 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” an official said. The prohibitory orders will remain in force until further notice from the administration, the official added.

The administration called on the public, unions and industrial organizations to maintain peace and patience.