Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahendar Reddy issued a fresh order that all non-government agencies, organizations and or individuals would be banned from launching unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned aerial survey (UAS), etc.
“Government agencies and organizations should obtain appropriate clearance from local police and aviation authorities before launching any UAS or UAV. Any person contravening this order shall be punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. The order will be imposed from July 8 to August 7,” a note by city police commissioner said.
Hyderabad city has seen a significant increase in the use of drones by event organizers for aerial video and photography of the events. The ban will surely effect ordinary citizens who use drones for commercial purposes.
No attacks have ever taken place using drones so far, so the ban may either be a gross overstep of civil rights, or it may be a preventative step against terrorist actions.
