Section 24 Failure to disperse when required to do so.

Where any commissioned officer of Her Majesty’s forces or any officer of the Royal Ulster Constabulary not below the rank of chief inspector is of opinion that any assembly of three or more persons—

he, or any member of those forces on duty or any constable, may order the persons constituting the assembly to disperse forthwith.

Where an order is given under this section with respect to an assembly, any person who thereafter joins or remains in the assembly or otherwise fails to comply with the order shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding F1level 5 on the standard scale or both.