Dibrugarh: Jorhat district administration has banned the forceful collection of Puja donations from the public, businesses, institutions and vehicles.In an order issued on Friday, district magistrate Jay Shivani invoked Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, to prohibit coercive donations collected in the name of social organisations, festivals, celebrations, gatherings and other purposes.The order said that several instances of people being forced to contribute money came to the administration’s notice in recent months. It added that some such collections had links to anti-social elements capable of disrupting peace and public tranquillity.The administration said the practice could hamper productivity, employment generation and economic activity, and lead to criminal acts, including extortion.“Forceful collection of chanda or donations from the public, business establishments, institutions and vehicles plying on roads will not be permitted throughout Jorhat district,” the order stated in effect.The prohibition came into force immediately and will remain effective until further orders or until it is modified or withdrawn by a competent authority.The district magistrate warned that violations would invite prosecution under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023.“Any violation of this prohibitory order will invite legal action against the violators,” the order cautioned.The order targets coercive collections and does not prohibit voluntary contributions made without pressure.
