Section 2: Interpretation

2. Interpretation In this Act— “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Police; “meeting”— (a) means an assembly of 12 or more persons, wherever convened or organised for any purpose; but (b) does not include a meeting or assembly of persons convened or organised exclusively for the purpose of any public or corporate body held otherwise than in a public place; “Minister” means the Minister to whom responsibility for the subject of internal affairs is assigned; “offensive weapon” means an article made, or adapted for use, or suitable for causing injury to the person, or intended by the person having it in his possession or under his control for that use by him or by some other person; “police officer” includes an officer of the Special Mobile Force; “procession” means a body of persons or vehicles proceeding in succession; P48 – 1 [Issue 1] Public Gatherings Act “public entertainment” means dancing, singing or music, a charity bazaar, a stage play or performance, a cinematograph exhibition given or held indoors or outdoors, to which the public has been convened or has or is entitled or permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise; “public gathering” means a public meeting or a public procession; “public meeting”— (a) means a meeting held or to be held in a public place; (b) includes a meeting of school children, a sports meeting and a meeting for public entertainment; but (c) does not include a meeting held exclusively for a religious purpose; “public place” means any place in which the public has or is entitled or permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise; “public procession”— (a) means a procession in, to or from, a public place consisting of 12 or more persons proceeding on foot or in more than one vehicle; but (b) does not include— (i) a procession held exclusively for a religious purpose; (ii) a marriage or funeral procession; “public safety or public order” includes— (a) the securing of the safety of persons and property; (b) the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community; (c) the prevention and suppression of violence, intimidation, disorder and crime; (d) the prevention and suppression of mutiny, rebellion and concerted defiance of and disobedience to the law and lawful authority; and (e) the maintenance of the administration of justice; “road” includes any highway, street, thoroughfare, pathway, passage, footway, pavement or square; “sports meeting” means a race meeting, a regatta or an athletic, field or other game, whether held indoors or outdoors, to which the public has been convened or has or is entitled or permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise; “vehicle”— (a) means a vehicle designed or adapted for use on any road; and (b) includes any other means of conveyance; [Issue 1] P48 – 2 “vessel” includes a ship or boat.