A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the prohibitory order issued by the Delhi Police under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restricts the assembly of five or more persons from September 30 to October 5 in the national capital.

The order prohibits gatherings of unauthorized individuals, as well as the carrying of firearms, banners, placards, lathis, and participation in public picketing or dharnas.

The petition, filed by Sunil, the priest of Kalkaji Temple and secretary of Manas Naman Sewa Society, argues that the prohibitory order will significantly impact attendance at the Ramlila event organized at Satpula Ground, Chirag Delhi, coinciding with the religiously important Navratri period starting on October 3.

Filed through advocate Prateek Chadha, the plea contends that the restrictions affect Navratri celebrations in notified areas, including New Delhi, North Delhi, Central Delhi, and the NCT borders. It claims this order will infringe on the petitioner’s and others' rights under Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, personal liberty, and religious freedom.

The plea further argues that there are no urgent reasons justifying the curtailment of civil liberties, and criticizes the use of such orders to unnecessarily control daily life without an emergency situation