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16 :(d) direct the Commissioner to reconsider his decision, and the appellant shall be notified in writing of the Minister’s decision in respect of his appeal accordingly.

(4) In this section, any reference to the Minister shall include a reference to any Minister of State designated by the Minister to hear any appeal under this section in place of the Minister.

Prohibited areas

12.—(1) If, in relation to any public place, the Minister is of the opinion that, having regard to the extent of powers exercisable under section 13, it is necessary in the public interest to do so, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, prohibit the holding of all public assemblies or public processions or both in the public place (referred to in this Act as a prohibited area).

(2) An order made under subsection (1) may exclude any assembly or procession, or any assembly or procession of any class or description, specified in the order from the prohibition therein.

(3) An order made under subsection (1) shall have the effect of cancelling any previous permit granted under section 7 in relation to any public assembly or public procession, the holding of which is prohibited by the order.

(4) All orders made under this section shall be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after publication in the Gazette.

Power to prohibit assembly or procession in public interest

13.—(1) If, in the case of any proposed public assembly or public procession, the Minister is of the opinion that it is necessary in the public interest to do so, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, prohibit the holding of that public assembly or public procession.

(2) If, in relation to any public place and any period of time not exceeding 28 days, the Commissioner is of the opinion that, having regard to—
 * (a) any serious public disorder or serious damage to public or private property which may result from public assemblies or public processions of a particular class or description in that public place during that period;