Delhi Police Enforces Drone Ban Ahead of Independence Day Celebrations
Drone Operations Prohibited in Delhi
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New Delhi, August 1: The Delhi Police has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of drones and various other aerial devices throughout the national capital from August 2 until August 16, in preparation for enhanced security measures for the upcoming Independence Day festivities.
This directive, issued by Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will be in effect for a total of 15 days, encompassing the days leading up to and following the August 15 celebrations.
The official statement indicates that these restrictions are necessary due to potential security risks posed to the public, dignitaries, and critical infrastructure.
“Reports suggest that certain criminal or anti-social elements, as well as terrorists opposed to India, may threaten the safety of the public and important installations through the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms,” the order elaborated.
The ban covers a broad spectrum of aerial devices, including drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), quadcopters, remotely piloted aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, small powered aircraft, hot air balloons, and para-jumping activities.
Utilizing powers granted under the BNSS, the Commissioner has mandated that the operation of these aerial platforms is strictly prohibited within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi during the specified timeframe.
The order explicitly states: “I… do hereby prohibit flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or para jumping from aircraft etc. over the jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day Celebrations-2026.”
Furthermore, the Delhi Police has cautioned that any breach of this directive “shall be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.”
Given the broad impact of this order, the Commissioner noted that it could not be delivered to individuals directly and has thus been issued ex-parte. The directive will be disseminated through media channels and displayed on notice boards at various police offices, including those of Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, tehsil offices, police stations, and the offices of the NDMC, MCD, PWD, DDA, and the Delhi Cantonment Board.
This order was enacted on July 31, 2026, and is set to take effect from August 2, 2026, remaining in place until August 16, 2026, unless revoked sooner.
As Independence Day approaches, security protocols are routinely heightened in the national capital, with multiple agencies collaborating to ensure the safety of citizens, visiting dignitaries, and critical installations during the celebrations at the Red Fort and other significant venues.