52. The closing of retail shops for the preservation of the public peace.
(1)The Deputy Commissioner or a Magistrate may, by notice in writing to the licensee, require that any shop in which any intoxicant is sold by retail shall be closed at such times or for such periods as the Deputy Commissioner or Magistrate may deem necessary for the preservation of the public peace.(2)If any riot or unlawful assembly is apprehended or occurs in the vicinity of any such shop, any Magistrate, or any Police Officer above the rank of constable who is present, may order the person in charge thereof to keep it closed for such period as the Magistrate or Police Officer may think necessary :Provided that no shop shall be kept closed under this sub-section for a longer period than 48 hours without the order of a Magistrate.(3)When any Magistrate or Police Officer makes a requisition or direction under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), he shall forthwith report the fact to the Collector having jurisdiction in the local area in which the shop is situated.(4)The Excise Commissioner may grant to the licensee of a shop kept closed under sub-section (1) or (2) such compensation as it may think fit.
