Explained: What is the difference between Section 144 and curfew?

New Delhi: Ranchi district administration of Jharkhand imposed Section 144 in several areas of the capital on Saturday. This came just a day after violent protests claimed the lives of two people and injured many others over the remark row over Prophet Muhammad.

Besides Section 144, the city administration decided to stop internet connectivity till June 12. The administration has also deployed heavy security forces in the violence-hit areas to bring the situation under control.

After Friday prayers, a violent protest erupted in the city. During the incident, rioters also pelted stones, torched the vehicles, and tried to vandalise public and private properties.

Immediately, the district administration imposed a curfew to bring the situation under control soon.

However, a question definitely comes to your mind what is the difference between curfew and Section 144?

Let’s understand, what curfew and the Section 144 are:

What is Section 144?

When Section 144 is imposed, it restricts the gathering of 5 or more people within a particular area. The law allows booking anyone found in violation.

What is Curfew?

If the curfew is enforced, the power of the district administration went into the hand of the Collector and the Police Commissioner. In simple words, it can be said curfew is the next level of Section 144. During the time of curfew, essential services are also shut down.

Moreover, Banks, ATMs, grocery shops, and milk shops all are shut down except for emergency services like hospitals. Once the curfew is implemented, only police personnel and administration are allowed on the street.