Kathmandu, February 24

With Holi, the festival of colours, just around the corner‚ Kathmandu District Administration Office has warned that anyone caught misbehaving with strangers and passers-by under the pretext of the festival will be detained and charged under Crime and Punishment Act, 1970.

This year, the festival will be celebrated on March 1.

Offenders may face a fine of up to Rs 10‚000 or 35 days detention or both as per the existing law, which strictly forbids misconduct with the intention of harassing or causing trouble to another person. Police may arrest the person without warrant if s/he is caught doing so.

A press statement issued by the DAO yesterday appealed to all to celebrate Holi in a decent and peaceful manner. “The law prohibits hurling of water-filled balloons and smearing colours on the faces of other people against their will. Therefore, police will take action against such offenders,” it read.

Meanwhile, police warned that they will take legal action against those who are caught harassing people and randomly throwing water-filled balloons at them. The local administration warned all not to harass persons who do not wish to be part of the celebration.

Police said special measures would be taken to crack down on troublemakers. According to an official, police in civvies will fan out across the capital to keep tight vigil at marketplaces and busy thoroughfares.