Taking cognisance of the brawl at a restaurant-cum-pub, 'The Hub', police commissioner of Ludhiana Ishwar Singh, using his magisterial powers, has ordered that permission would be needed prior to arranging gatherings and parties on the New Year eve.
The order has been mostly ignored
and only 10 of the hotels, restaurants and clubs have applied for permission; seven have been granted the permission, while the rest are still under consideration.
The permissions have been given subject to another condition: the organisers would also have to take permission regarding playing music from the concerned sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs).
The number of parties expected on the occasion is nearly five times the applications received. A New Year party was also scheduled at 'The Hub', but the restaurant-cum-pub was sealed after the incident.
It is the first time in the history of the city when hotels, restaurants and clubs have been asked to take permission prior to organising a party.
Till Saturday, only two applications, from hotels Park Plaza and Aveda, had landed at the community police resource center. The police department received 8 more applications on Sunday seeking permission for arranging parties.
Besides Park Plaza and Aveda, other institutions that have sought permission include Satluj Club, Lucky Wednesday, Las Vegas, The Brewmasters, Bistro, Grewal and Geoffrey's.
Employees of a private bank have sought permission to arrange a party at the residence of one of their colleagues.
According to assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Dilbag Singh, after receiving applications for permission, the police visit the place of the proposed party and record the statements of the neighbours. If neighbors had objections the permission was denied.
The police commissioner had passed the order on December 27 and had forbidden carrying firearms in the parties. Also, music was allowed from 10pm to 6am, following the orders of the Supreme Court.
"The organisers have been told to manage the parking of vehicles on their own. Those who will not follow the instructions would be treated as according to the law," said the police commissioner.