Lucknow police have issued a significant preventive notice to Sumaiya Rana, a prominent national spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party. The action, which mandates bonds totalling Rs 5 lakh, stems from authorities' concerns about a potential breach of peace linked to a protest she announced.
Details of the Legal Notice and Court Directive
The notice was formally issued on Saturday by the ACP-cum-Executive Magistrate of Kaisarbagh. It was served under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), namely Sections 126 and 135, in connection with case number 685/2025 registered at the Kaisarbagh police station.
Sumaiya Rana has been directed to appear before the ACP Kaiserbagh court on December 22. She must provide a convincing explanation as to why she should not be bound down for a full year to maintain peace and good behaviour. This legal binding requires her to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh, supported by two sureties of the same amount.
The Police Report and Reasons Behind the Action
The move followed a detailed report submitted by Sub-Inspector Seema Yadav on December 19. This report was subsequently forwarded with official recommendations by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kaisarbagh police station.
Police authorities stated that Rana had publicly announced a protest and 'gherao' (encirclement) plan. This demonstration was reportedly in connection with the ongoing hijab controversy, specifically targeting remarks allegedly made by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad.
The proposed protest included calls to gherao the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the official residence of the Chief Minister. Law enforcement expressed serious apprehension that such actions could pose a substantial threat to public law and order. They also highlighted concerns regarding the security of protected individuals in the state capital.
Existing Prohibitory Orders and Context
Adding context to the preventive measure, police pointed out that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS are currently in force across the entire district of Lucknow. These orders were implemented as per the directives of the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order).
Sumaiya Rana, aged 45, is not only a key political figure but also the daughter of the late and renowned Urdu poet, Munawwar Rana. The notice, though issued on Saturday, gained widespread attention after it surfaced in media reports on Sunday.
This development underscores the heightened sensitivity around public gatherings and protests in the state capital. It reflects the administration's proactive stance on maintaining order, especially when planned events are perceived to carry a risk of escalating tensions or disrupting public peace.
