The way reference to Section 144 Cr.P.C. is being made on the TV/newspaper etc is appalling. One would do well to read the section and the wide powers that it gives:
"Section 144 in The Code Of Criminal Procedure, 1973
144. Power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance of apprehended danger.
(1)
In cases where, in the opinion of a District Magistrate, a Sub-
divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate specially
empowered by the State Government in this behalf, there is sufficient
ground for proceeding under this section and immediate prevention or
speedy remedy is desirable, such Magistrate may, by a written order
stating the material facts of the case and served in the manner provided
by section 134, direct any person to abstain from a certain act or to
take certain order with respect to certain property in his possession or
under his management, if such Magistrate considers that such direction
is likely to prevent, or tends to prevent, obstruction, annoyance or
injury to any person lawfully employed, or danger to human life, health
or safety, or a disturbance of the public tranquility, or a riot, of an
affray. (emphasis supplied)
(2)
An order under this section may, in cases of emergency or in cases
where the circumstances do not admit of the serving in due time of a
notice upon the person against whom the order is directed, be passed ex
parte.
(3)
An order under this section may be directed to a particular
individual, or to persons residing in a particular place or area, or to
the public generally when frequenting or visiting a particular place or
area.
(4)
No order under this section shall remain in force for more than two
months from the making thereof: Provided that, if the State Government
considers it necessary so to do for preventing danger to human life,
health or safety or for preventing a riot or any affray, it may, by
notification, direct that an order made by a Magistrate under this
section shall remain in force for such further period not exceeding six
months from the date on which the order made by the Magistrate would
have, but for such order, expired, as it may specify in the said
notification.
(5)
Any Magistrate may, either on his own motion or on the application of
any person aggrieved, rescind or alter any order made under this
section, by himself or any Magistrate subordinate to him or by his
predecessor- in- office.
(6)
The State Government may, either on its own motion or on the
application of any person aggrieved, rescind or alter any order made by
it under the proviso to sub- section (4).
(7)
Where an application under sub- section (5) or sub- section (6) is
received, the Magistrate, or the State Government, as the case may be,
shall afford to the applicant an early opportunity of appearing before
him or it, either in person or by pleader and showing cause against the
order; and if the Magistrate or the State Government, as the case may
be, rejects the application wholly or in part, he or it shall record in
writing the reasons for so doing. D.- Disputes as to immovable property
