(1) The District Magistrate may, whenever he considers it necessary to do so for the preservation of public peace or public safety or for the maintenance of public order, by public notice or by order directed at individuals or organisations, prohibit in any area within his jurisdiction the holding of or taking part in any mass drill or any mass training with arms or the carrying of arms in any procession or taking part therein.

Explanation. - For the purposes of this section "arms" means any object which can be used as a weapon for committing offence and includes any type of lathi or stick.

(2) No prohibition under this section shall remain in force for more than three months.

Provided that if the Government consider it necessary so to do for the preservation of public peace or public safety or for the maintenance of public order, it may, by order published in the Official Gazette, direct that any such order of prohibition issued by the District Magistrate under sub-section (1) shall remain in, force for such further period not exceeding six months from the date of expiry f such order.