In anticipation of a proposed protest by taxi operators, the North Goa District Collector has imposed a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), restricting gatherings in the vicinity of Junta House, Panaji, where the Transport Department office is located.
The order, effective Monday, bans the assembly of more than five people in and around the premises to maintain law and order. Authorities clarified that any violation of this directive would be treated as a punishable offence under the law.
The move comes as taxi associations in Goa had announced plans to hold a demonstration, reportedly over unresolved issues with licensing, app-based aggregators, or fare regulations.
The District Administration has cited concerns over potential public disturbance and disruption of official functioning at the Transport Department as reasons for invoking the prohibitory measure.
Residents and stakeholders have been advised to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure peace in the area.