Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 15: It has come to the notice of the District Administration, South Andaman that a bandh has been called on 16.02.2026 by various organisations and groups.
It is informed that the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the matter Bharat Kumar-Vs-State of Kerala, has unequivocally upheld that the enforcement of a bandh is unconstitutional and illegal as it impinges on the fundamental rights of the people and disrupts public life.
In order to prohibit any disturbance to normal public life and prevent any disruption to movement of people within the District, the District Administration has issued orders under Seciton 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, wherein it is directed that;
No person, association, or organization shall cause obstruction to:
-Public roads and highways;
-Bus and Shipping routes, depots, and terminals;
-Educational Institutes
-Tourist places.
-Public places.
No person shall prevent or attempt to prevent the movement of:
-Public and private buses;
-Tourists and Passengers;
-Transport personnel;
-Taxis and Autos;
-Public and private vehicles/vessels.
-All transport operators shall operate services as per schedule.
-No person shall:
-Assemble in groups of five or more persons at any location;
-Carry weapons, sticks, stones, or inflammable materials;
-Block roads or public ways;
-Intimidate or coerce any person;
-Enforce closure of shops, offices, or institutions.
-No meeting, rally, procession, protest or demonstration shall be held without prior written permission.
No person or group shall obstruct or interfere with:
-Conduct of examinations, tests, and evaluations;
-Movement of students, teachers, invigilators and staff;
-Entry and exit to educational institutions and hostels;
-Operation of school and college transport services.
No intimidation, blockade, or protest shall be permitted in the vicinity of any educational institution.
•The Officers concerned with Government and Private educational institutes namely Director School Education, Director Higher Education, University Authorities, College and School Principals, Teaching Staff, Members of Educational Institutes etc shall ensure smooth conduct of exams and academic activities.
The A&N Administration has made all necessary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted functioning of all scheduled public events, tourist activities and public life shall continue to function as normal.
To maintain peace and ensure smooth public movement, adequate police personnel and Executive Magistrates have been deployed at all sensitive and strategic locations. Preventive measures have already been initiated wherever necessary to uphold public order. Citizens who wish to carry on with their normal routine including opening shops, conducting business and attending work are free to do so. The A & N Administration assures full protection and support to all such individuals.
A meeting with representatives of various Trade Unions, Associations, Institutions, Joint Action Forum, all Political Parties was convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman on 15.02.2026 to discuss the issues relating to the proposed bandh on 16.02.2026 and they assured not to participate in the bandh.
With the upcoming examinations and keeping the academic interest of students in mind, the District Administration appeals to the teachers, parents and guardians to ensure that the students attend the classes and academic activities as per schedule to ensure no disruption to their education.
The District Administration, South Andaman earnestly appeals to all sections of society to uphold peace, harmony and public order in the larger interest of the District. Collective cooperation is essential to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and uninterrupted daily life of all residents.
The District Control Room will function round the clock and may be contacted on the following numbers toll free number 1070 03192-238881/240127, +9195318 88844 (WhatsApp) and ERSS-112. Citizens are requested to promptly report any instance of coercion, obstruction, misinformation or disturbance.