Mumbai: Police ban flying of drones, micro-light aircraft and other objects till December 12

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police on Thursday put a ban on the flying of drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, and more in the city until December 12.

A fresh order has been issued prohibiting the flying of drones and other remote-controlled or "micro-light aircraft" in the city until December 12 to prevent their possible use for terrorist activities and by anti-social elements. It was issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Terrorists and anti-national elements might make use of drones

According to the order issued by the police, "it was likely that terrorist and anti-national elements might make use of drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, aerial missiles, or paragliders to target "VVIPs" and endanger "the life of the public at large, destroy public property, and cause disturbance to law and order in the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate area."

"These restrictions were necessary to prevent probable sabotage," added the order.

No flying activity is allowed in BMC limits

It was a routine order, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (Operations), Sanjay Latkar, that added, "No flying activities of drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hot air balloons, or private helicopters shall be allowed in the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate area for the period of the next 30 days except for aerial surveillance by the city police themselves or upon written permission by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations)," the order said.

Notably, Section 144 empowers the police to issue prohibitory orders in cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.