“Birthday Bumps” and “Cake Smearing” Officially Banned in Surat [Read Notification]

Birthday celebrations that involve the millennial’s all-time favorite ‘birthday bumps’ and ‘cake smearing’ and other boisterous ways of birthday celebrations have officially been banned in Surat, Gujarat.

Police in the city of Surat has issued a notification temporarily restricting overzealous birthday celebrations after having received an enormous and alarming number of people terming it as “harassment”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, PL Chowdhary, issued the circular under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on May 13, 2019. The order is said to be in force from May 14 to July 12.

The notice also states that anyone who violates the order shall be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant). The section carries a maximum punishment of a month in jail.

“We received information about incidents in which individuals suffered injuries during birthday celebrations”, said the Commissioner, Satish Sharma.

“On Dumas Road and some bridges, such incidents were reported. Considering this, the order has been issued. This call to action has been taken to prevent harassment by forcible application of cake, cello tape, chemical, foam, on people. Such a violent and cruel celebration could cause a person’s death”, Satish Sharma added.

P.L. Chaudhari, who has signed and issued the order, said: “The police will not take action against those who celebrate birthdays in a peaceful manner. This order is applicable to only those who create nuisance and disturb others.”

[Read Notification]