Gurgaon District Administration Imposes Section 163 in Manesar Amid Planned Protests
In a decisive move to maintain public order, the Gurgaon district administration on Wednesday imposed prohibitory orders in Manesar, targeting potential protests by contractual workers employed across multiple manufacturing units. District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, covering the IMT Manesar region and adjoining areas.
Prohibitory Orders Aim to Ensure Safety and Smooth Traffic
The order, which took immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice, is designed to safeguard public safety, preserve peace, and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. According to the DC, this action follows police alerts about possible protests and marches that could disrupt public tranquility, block roads, and pose risks to community security.
The contractual workers have been vocal in their demands for a salary increase, prompting authorities to take preemptive measures. Under the new restrictions, gatherings of five or more individuals without prior permission are strictly prohibited in IMT Manesar. Additionally, carrying any weapons—including firearms, swords, sticks, spears, axes, jelly, gandasa, and knives—in public spaces has been banned. Road blockages and traffic obstructions are similarly restricted.
Exemptions and Legal Consequences
While the prohibitory orders are stringent, certain exemptions apply. Police personnel and other government employees on official duty are not subject to these restrictions. Traditional community activities that have obtained prior approval, as well as persons with disabilities, are also exempted. However, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar issued a stern warning, stating that any misuse of these exemptions or attempts to disturb law and order will result in strict legal action.
Violators will face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with other applicable laws, emphasizing the administration's commitment to upholding public safety.
Haryana Government Announces 35% Minimum Wage Hike
In a related development, the Haryana government on Wednesday announced a significant 35% increase in minimum wages, set to take effect from April 1. Haryana Labour Minister Anil Vij detailed the revisions, highlighting substantial raises across worker categories:
- Unskilled workers: Wages increased from Rs 11,274 to Rs 15,220, a rise of approximately Rs 3,945.
- Semi-skilled workers: Wages increased from Rs 12,430 to Rs 16,780, reflecting an increase of Rs 4,350.
- Skilled workers: Wages increased from Rs 13,704 to Rs 18,500, marking a rise of Rs 4,796.
- Highly skilled workers: Wages increased from Rs 14,389 to Rs 19,425, showing an increase of Rs 5,036.
Minister Vij noted that this wage adjustment follows the implementation of four new labour codes on November 21, 2025: the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Social Security Code, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. These codes have streamlined and consolidated 29 previously fragmented labour laws in the country.
Expressing optimism, Vij stated that this historic wage increase is expected to bring positive changes to workers' lives and provide economic strength to their families, potentially addressing some of the grievances that have fueled protests in regions like Manesar.
