Sri Muktsar Sahib: Shops, hotels, malls to operate only from 8 am to 7:30 pm (Posted at 3:24 pm, May 10)
Babushahi Bureau
Sri Muktsar Sahib (Punjab), May 10, 2025 — The Additional District Magistrate of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Gurpreet Singh Thind, has issued orders restricting the operating hours of all commercial establishments in the district.
As per the directive, shops, street vendors, hotels, dhabas, cinema halls, shopping malls, and liquor shops will be allowed to operate only from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
These restrictions will remain in force from May 10 to June 10, 2025. The order does not apply to hospitals, medical stores, clinics, or other emergency services.
The decision was taken under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code, 2023, citing the current tension between India and Pakistan.Authorities observed that public gathering at commercial hubs increases significantly in the evening, and the move aims to ensure the safety of life and property.
In a separate order, the use of drones has been completely banned across the district until May 31, 2025. The ban, however, will not apply to security forces.
The administration noted that the Indian Army has reported instances where miscreants have been flying small drones, which could interfere with the air defense system by mistaking them for enemy drones.
This poses a risk to public safety and hampers security operations.The district administration has urged citizens and business owners to cooperate fully with these precautionary measures.