Lucknow bans students in uniform from malls, theatres

Lucknow District Magistrate Anil Kumar Sagar has banned the entry of students in uniform into malls, theatres, restaurants and parks during school hours to check crime, reports HT Correspondent.

The students in uniform cannot get out on a fun run during school hours. That’s the rule now.

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Lucknow District Magistrate (DM) Anil Kumar Sagar has banned the entry of students in uniform into malls, theatres, restaurants and parks during school hours to check crime.

Exercising his powers as the District Magistrate, and citing section 144 of the CrPC, the DM has issued instructions to the managements of all malls, theatres, restaurants and parks, besides schools and colleges to comply with the order.

Those found violating the order will be charged under Section 188 of the IPC.

The order has immediately come into effect and, if not withdrawn midway by the administration, will continue to be in force for two months.

“It has been brought to my notice that students of various schools and colleges loiter around in malls, theatres, restaurants and parks after bunking classes. This has led to increase in the number of cases of misbehaviour, eve-teasing, suicide and crime,” DM Sagar said.

‘We’ve the right to chill out’

The DM’s order notwithstanding, many students feel bunking is fun and an unofficial part of the school curriculum. “We do it for fun and most are aware that we don’t have to indulge in something dangerous. We have the right to chill out,” said a student. Bunking students ususally stopover at regular parks, malls, restaurants, coffee shops, video game parlours and markets.

Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Residency, Regional Science City and other smaller parks around the city are usually dotted with children.

The LDA has already banned entry of students in school uniform at parks maintained by it during school hours. School teachers however say that cases of bunking school are on a rise and get a little out of hand sometimes.