Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Amid escalating tensions over the proposed removal of the Shivaji statue at Headland Sada, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, enforcing strict restrictions to maintain law and order.
The order, issued by Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mormugao, Prataprao P. Gaunkar, follows directions from the Bombay High Court dated April 7, 2026, in connection with a writ petition related to the site.
Police reports and deliberations during a law and order meeting held on April 13 indicated the likelihood of large-scale mobilisation. The Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Vasco, noted that around 1,000 to 1,500 persons could gather at Headland Sada to oppose the dismantling of the statue, raising concerns over possible road blockades and disturbance to public peace.
A site inspection by local authorities on April 16 further confirmed an escalating situation, with groups already assembling, performing rituals, and raising slogans.
Under the order, any assembly of five or more persons has been prohibited within a 50-metre radius of the notified property at Headland Sada Junction. All forms of public mobilisation, including rallies, protests, processions, dharnas, and sloganeering, have been strictly banned.
Authorities have also barred provocative acts such as speeches or activities that could incite unrest. Entry into the restricted zone has been limited to government officials, Mormugao Port Authority personnel, police, and authorised individuals.
Police have been directed to deploy adequate force, maintain continuous surveillance, set up checkpoints, and carry out regular patrolling. Measures also include videography of operations and preventive detention of individuals attempting to violate the order.
Officials warned that violations will attract action under Section 223 of the BNSS and other applicable laws. The restrictions came into force on April 16 and will remain in place for a period of 30 days.
