Power to prohibit certain acts and taking preventive measures.-

(1) The Sub Divisional Magistrate or the District Magistrate shall receive any request or information from any person or persons seeking protection from any unlawful assembly or from any other person who are likely to or who have been objecting to any lawful marriage. (2) Where the Sub Divisional Magistrate or the District Magistrate receives information from any source that there is a likelihood of convening of an assembly openly or in secrecy to condemn as objectionable any marriage proposed or solemnized, he shall, by order, prohibit the convening of such unlawful assembly and doing of any act towards the commission of any offence under this Act by any person in any area specified in the order. (3) The Sub Divisional Magistrate or the District Magistrate may take such steps as may be necessary to give effect to such order including giving appropriate directions to the police authorities concerned. (4) The Sub Divisional Magistrate or District Magistrate shall also take such steps as may be necessary to ensure the safety of the persons targeted pursuant to the illegal decision taken by the unlawful assembly. (5) The Sub Divisional Magistrate or the District Magistrate shall be in direct supervision of the protection and safety of the persons concerned.