Punjab Extends Section 144, Keeps Outdoor Drone Ban Through May 25

Overview

• Punjab extended a province-wide Section 144 order that keeps a complete ban on flying drones outdoors in force until May 25, 2026.
• The Home Department said the move was necessary for public safety and to protect installations and buildings from potential threats.
• The order rests on Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a tool for short-term restrictions that authorities use to prevent disturbances to public peace.
• Small drones may be flown indoors for event coverage in halls or marquees, and organisers bear full responsibility for safe and confined use.
• Intelligence and law-enforcement agencies remain exempt for official operations, and police and district administrations were told to enforce the ban with legal action possible for violations.