Declaration of Disturbed Areas

Where the Government is of the opinion that,- (i) having regard to the intensity and duration of riot or violence of mob and such other factors in any area of the State, the public order in that area was disturbed by reason of riot or violence of mob; or (ii) improper clustering of persons of one community as defined in clause (f) of section 2 has taken place or is likely to take place with the ill intention of disturbing the demographic equilibrium of the person(s) with different communities residing in that area in a manner that mutual and peaceful coherence amongst different communities may go haywire in that area; or (iii) for the reasons stated in above clauses (i) and (ii), that area of the State has become prone to disturbance of public order, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette,- (a) declare such area to be a disturbed area; (b) specify the period in which the notification will remain in force. However, every notification issued under this section shall remain in force for a period up to three years or the period specified in the notification, whichever is lesser: Provided that Government may extend the period specified if reasons as stated in this section exist: Provided further that where the Government is of the opinion that public order in any area declared as a disturbed area under this section, on the grounds specified therein, has ceased to be disturbed, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, rescind the notification issued under this section in relation to such area, and upon such rescission, the provisions of this Act shall cease to apply to that area except as respects things done or omitted to be done under this Act. Explanation.- In this section the word “riot” shall have the same meaning as in section 191 of the Sanhita.