LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday gazette notified the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, empowering the respective deputy commissioners (DCs) to impose Section 144 for seven days to maintain law and order.

The DCs can use this power for protection of life and liberty of the persons dealing with the grave and emergent situation likely to endanger general peace and order.

The previous ordinance had lapsed a few days ago and the DCs were rendered powerless in terms of imposing Section 144 in their respective districts.

The ordinance also empowers the home secretary to impose Section 144 for two months.

In case of danger to human life, health or safety, or a likelihood of a riot or an affray, the Punjab government – provincial cabinet – can impose this section for more than two months by a notification.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2023