21. Closing of shops for the preservation of public peace [etc.,] [Inserted by Act 36 of 1987 w.e.f. 10-8-1987].
(1)The District Magistrate may, by notice in writing to the licensee require that any shops in which any intoxicant is sold shall be closed at such times and for such period as he may think necessary for the preservation of the public peace 1[or the prevention of the spreading of any infectious diseases]1(2)If any riot or any unlawful assembly is apprehended or occurs in the vicinity of any such shop, any Magistrate or any Police Officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector, who is present, may require such shop to be kept closed for such period as he may think necessary:Provided that where a riot or unlawful assembly so occurs, the licensee shall in the absence of such Magistrate or officer, close the shop without any order and keep it closed during the continuance of such riot or unlawful Assembly.
