The District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS, has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibiting the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel in loose quantities within the jurisdiction of East Jaintia Hills District.
The order was issued after it was brought to the notice of the District Magistrate that the Khasi Students Union (KSU), during its ongoing rally, had expressed dissatisfaction over the non-fulfilment of its demands by the Government and threatened to intensify its agitation. Inputs regarding the prevailing situation and the likelihood of further intensification of the agitation were also received through a letter from the Superintendent of Police, DSB, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, dated August 19, 2026.
In view of the situation and to prevent any untoward incident, the District Magistrate stated that the order was considered necessary in the interest of public safety and maintenance of public property.
The order further noted that, under provisions governing petroleum products, the sale of petrol and diesel in jerry cans, bottles and other containers without proper authorisation, as governed under the Petroleum Act, 1934, is strictly prohibited. Such unauthorised sale and storage of petroleum products poses serious risks to public safety, including fire hazards, threats to life and property, and the possibility of disruption of public order.
Accordingly, the District Magistrate has prohibited the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel in loose quantities within East Jaintia Hills District.
Any person found violating the order will be liable for legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant provisions of law.
However, the issuance of diesel for mobile towers and road construction companies will continue as per the standing orders issued by the District Magistrate, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the Petroleum Act, 1934 and applicable regulations.
In view of the urgency of the matter, the order has been passed ex-parte and has come into force with immediate effect, remaining in force until further orders.
The order was issued and signed by Shri Manish Kumar, IAS, District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, on August 19, 2026.