Delhi, the national capital, is bracing itself as the G20 summit is set to take place. With a flurry of global dignitaries arriving in the city, strict security measures have been put into place to ensure a smooth flow of events. Among these measures, the imposition of Section 144, the declaration of a no-fly zone, and the closure of schools, colleges, and offices are the ones that are impacting everyday life the most. 

Section 144: This law prohibits the assembly of four or more people in an area. It is being imposed to maintain peace and order during the summit. 

No-fly zone: This declaration means that civilian aircraft are not permitted to fly over Delhi during the G20 summit to ensure the safety of the visiting dignitaries. 

Schools, colleges, and offices: These institutions will remain closed for the duration of the summit as a safety measure and to manage traffic congestion efficiently. 

Gearing up for the G20 Summit: With the national capital set to host the prestigious G20 Summit, the Delhi Police has enforced Section 144 CrPc across the city. This measure is aimed at preventing large gatherings and potential unlawful activities. The enforcement will kick off on August 29 and last until September 12, covering a span of 15 days, unless an earlier revocation is issued. This crucial decision was ordered by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. 

The G20 Summit is a two-day event scheduled for September 9-10. However, related activities such as sherpa meetings and meetings of finance, energy, and central bank deputies will commence from September 23. 

Understanding why Section 144 has been imposed:

In a public announcement, the Delhi Police revealed that the decision to impose Section 144 was due to potential threats from certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists who may use unconventional aerial platforms such as para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircrafts, remotely piloted aircrafts, hot air balloons, small sized powered aircrafts, quadcopters, or even deploy para-jumpers from aircraft etc., posing a risk to public safety, dignitaries, and vital installations. 

Details on the imposed bans:

The notice further outlined that the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms or even para-jumping from aircraft etc over the jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi during the G20 Summit 2023 is strictly prohibited. Violation of this directive shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

Delhi's no-fly zone declaration:

As an added security measure, the Delhi Police has declared the national capital a no-flying zone for unmanned aerial vehicles and remote aircraft in the run-up to the G-20 summit. The ban, effective from 29.08.2023, is intended to thwart any threats from criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists who might exploit these aerial platforms to endanger public safety, dignitaries, and vital installations. This announcement was made by the Delhi Police in a post on X. 

The police further clarified that this ban will remain in force for a period of 15 days and violations of the order will be punishable under Section 188 of the IPC. Trudeau declined to stay in the presidential suite during India’s G20 Summit