8 pm curfew for new year celebration; Police withdraws controversial order

MALAPPURAM: Areekode station has retracted its stringent New Year's regulations relaxing restrictions previously imposed. The contentious order, criticized widely has been withdrawn by the police following community disapproval especially on social media.

The revised regulations now permit hotels, coolbars, turfs, petrol pumps and resorts to operate until 10 pm, a two-hour extension from the initial mandate of closure by 8 pm. The updated directive explicitly prohibits DJ programs, campfires and similar gatherings while also enforcing the cessation of boat services by 5 pm.

District police authorities clarified that the earlier restrictions aimed to maintain law and order, but due to widespread criticism and ridicule, a corrective order was swiftly issued and the previous guidelines rescinded on the directive of the district police chief.

The police department is now advising of potential celebrations in the area while assuring that the revised regulations are in place to prevent any potential disturbances.