Updated on: November 12, 2025 | 9:52 PM IST

In the wake of heightened security concerns following the recent explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, the Gurugram Police has issued a set of comprehensive safety directives to ensure public safety during the upcoming New Year and Republic Day celebrations. The new directives, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), empower the police to act swiftly in situations involving potential threats, public nuisance, or apprehended danger.

The order, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, calls for rigorous verification and record-keeping by cyber cafés, paying guest (PG) accommodations, hotels, guest houses, dharamshalas, and office owners, emphasizing the importance of citizen vigilance and institutional cooperation during the festive season.

Key Directives Under Section 163 of BNSS

According to the police advisory, the following measures have been made mandatory across Gurugram district from November 11, 2025, to January 31, 2026:

1. Record Maintenance:
   All cyber cafés, hotels, guest houses, dharamshalas, PG accommodations, and office owners must maintain a detailed record of every visitor, tenant, worker, or guest entering or residing at their premises.
2. Identity Verification:
   Establishments are required to keep photocopies of valid ID proofs (such as Aadhaar cards, passports, or government-issued IDs) of all individuals staying or working at the premises.
3. Police Verification:
   Property owners and managers must ensure that proper police verification is completed for all tenants, domestic workers, employees, and long-term guests.
4. Monitoring Residents from Sensitive Regions:
   The order specifically directs housing societies, landlords, and PG owners to submit detailed information on residents from Jammu and Kashmir and foreign nationals staying in Gurugram. This step, officials said, is part of a comprehensive security verification drive ahead of large-scale public events.
5. Ban on Aerial Devices:
   To prevent potential misuse of aerial platforms, the use of drones, gliders, power gliders, microlight aircraft, hot air balloons, kites, and Chinese microlights has been strictly prohibited in Gurugram until January 31, 2026.

Any violation of these directives will invite strict penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which provides legal recourse against non-compliance with public safety orders.

Why These Measures Were Introduced

The safety orders come amid heightened security alerts across the National Capital Region (NCR), following the car explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi earlier this week. The high-intensity blast, which occurred around 6:50 p.m. on Monday, claimed several lives and injured dozens. Vehicles in the vicinity were gutted in the fire, and panic gripped the area frequented by tourists and locals alike.

In the aftermath, security agencies in Delhi and neighboring states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, launched coordinated operations to identify and neutralize possible threats. The Union government has described the Red Fort explosion as a “heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces,” directing investigative agencies to pursue the case with “utmost urgency and professionalism.”

Gurugram’s Heightened Vigilance

The Gurugram Police has already stepped up its presence across public spaces — including malls, markets, metro stations, hotels, and business hubs such as Cyber City and Golf Course Road. Checkpoints have been installed at key intersections, and random checking of vehicles has intensified, particularly during evening hours when public footfall is at its highest.

Officers have been instructed to conduct surprise inspections at lodging facilities to ensure adherence to the verification guidelines. Cyber cafés, which have often been used in the past for untraceable communication, are also under renewed scrutiny. Police officials said that they would maintain a database of visitors frequenting such establishments, with special attention to any suspicious digital activity.

“We are not taking any chances,” said a senior Gurugram police officer. “With large public gatherings expected during New Year’s Eve and Republic Day, these measures are preventive in nature. Our goal is to ensure that Gurugram remains safe for both residents and visitors.”

Link to Wider Security Operations

Gurugram’s new directives mirror similar precautionary steps implemented across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, where local authorities have been instructed to enhance surveillance and conduct intensified verification drives. The Delhi Police, for instance, has issued advisories to hotels and short-term rental services near tourist landmarks, urging them to report suspicious guests or unattended baggage.

In Uttar Pradesh, police have been placed on high alert, with officers conducting rigorous checks at metro stations, crowded public areas, and inter-state transport terminals. Barricades have been installed at major border points connecting Delhi with Noida and Gurugram, as part of an integrated security plan across the NCR.

Legal Framework and Implications

Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), local authorities are empowered to issue immediate preventive orders in cases involving potential threats to public safety, law, or order. Such directives are legally binding for a specified period and are typically invoked ahead of major public events, large gatherings, or when intelligence agencies flag possible risks.

Violations of these orders, as per Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, can result in fines, arrests, or legal prosecution, depending on the severity of non-compliance.

Legal experts note that while such measures can appear stringent, they are crucial during times of elevated risk. “These preventive steps are standard across major cities during national celebrations,” said senior legal analyst Meera Sethi. “However, it’s equally important to ensure that enforcement remains transparent and non-discriminatory, particularly when it involves data collection or surveillance of individuals.”

Residents Urged to Cooperate

The Gurugram administration has urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and promptly report any suspicious activities. The Deputy Commissioner’s office has also launched a public helpline and an online verification portal, allowing residents to submit tenant or worker details electronically.

Local Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been requested to coordinate with nearby police stations to facilitate information exchange and ensure compliance within their respective communities.

Citizens have also been advised to avoid flying drones, kites, or balloons during the restricted period, as violations may attract criminal penalties. “Even recreational drone use has been temporarily banned for public safety reasons,” the police spokesperson clarified.

A City on Alert but Prepared

As the festive season approaches, Gurugram — home to thousands of corporate professionals, students, and expatriates — finds itself on high alert. Yet, the administration’s proactive approach has drawn appreciation from several quarters. Security experts believe that early enforcement of preventive measures can significantly reduce vulnerabilities during large-scale public events.

“Gurugram has become one of the most sensitive urban centers due to its proximity to Delhi and concentration of high-profile establishments,” said retired IPS officer R.N. Singh. “The police have rightly moved to tighten surveillance before the holiday rush begins.”

With both New Year’s Eve and Republic Day expected to witness massive gatherings, authorities are leaving no stone unturned. The district’s emergency response units, including bomb disposal squads and cyber monitoring teams, have been placed on standby to handle contingencies.

For residents, the message is clear: cooperation, vigilance, and adherence to the guidelines will be key to ensuring a peaceful and secure celebration season.

As Gurugram fortifies its defenses, the city prepares to balance festive cheer with heightened caution — a reminder that in times of uncertainty, collective responsibility is the first line of defense against danger.