New Delhi: In view of the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Police has taken a major decision regarding security in the capital. Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, banning the flying of all types of small aerial platforms—including drones—in Delhi from August 2 to August 16, 2026.
Ban on flying drones and other such activities
According to the order, there will be a complete ban during this period on the operation of drones (UAV/UAS), quadcopters, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small powered aircraft, and para-jumping from aircraft.
Precautionary step taken by Delhi Police
Intelligence reports indicate that anti-social elements or terrorists could use such aerial devices to threaten the safety of the general public, VIPs, and vital government installations. They might employ sub-conventional aerial platforms such as paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, UAVs, UAS, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small powered aircraft, quadcopters, or engage in para-jumping from aircraft. This precautionary measure has been taken in light of these apprehensions.
Legal action for violating the order
The police have clarified that legal action will be taken against violators under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This order comes into effect on August 2, 2026, and will remain valid until August 16, 2026. Copies of the order will be displayed on the notice boards of all DCP/Addl. DCP/ACP offices, Tehsil offices, police stations, and the offices of the NDMC, MCD, PWD, DDA, and the Delhi Cantonment Board. As it is not feasible to serve individual notices to all concerned parties, this order has been issued ex parte. Delhi’s Independence Day celebrations are truly special. It is worth noting that on August 15, Independence Day events are held at the Red Fort and various other locations across Delhi. Large crowds, along with numerous VVIPs and VIPs, gather for the occasion, and the Prime Minister himself delivers a speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. In light of this, the Delhi Police is taking precautionary measures and has issued specific orders. Notably, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell achieved a major breakthrough in April of this year when it seized a cache of weapons—delivered via an ISI drone—and arrested nine individuals.
