Terror threat, safety of women and noise pollution are, according to the police commissioner, the reasons why he decided to enforce the 1.30 am deadline for New Year.Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh’s decision to impose a 1.30 am deadline on New Year’s Eve has come for allround criticism. But Singh insists his decision is in the interest of safety of citizens and maintains it will not be a spoiler.In an interview with Mumbai Mirrora day before the Bombay High Court is to hear a petition by hoteliers challenging the decision, Singh made it clear that Mumbaikars “should celebrate the New Year for an hour past midnight and go back to their homes.”There is no curb. 1.30 am is the normal deadline. The government has allowed sale of liquor till 5 am but not granted blanket permission for performance licences. The government order is not applicable where an orchestra is being played. Government has granted discretion to unit commanders (city police commissioners in this case) to take a decision based on law and order requirements. Even after the government order, eateries and hotels have to take permission from us.Our decision was based on certain issues. One, the city is vulnerable to terror threats. There have been consistent inputs about possible terror attacks at crowded places and New Year celebrations mean there will be a lot of such crowded places. Two, the city’s vital installations have also been provided heightened security and that has already sapped our resources. We also feel -- and it is an established fact -- that once a person drinks, inhibition reduces. This increases likelihood of crime against women going up and people resorting to drunk driving. Third, the high court has put restrictions on noise pollution and restricts use of music systems past midnight. We took a conscious decision after taking into consideration all this.I don’t think so. In fact, they can now have a focussed celebration. The New Year begins at midnight and even if people celebrate and dance for one hour after that, it is enough. After that they can go back home and sleep.The situation was the same last year and the deadline was the same. The decision is in the interest of the public.I have issued clear directions not just at police station level men but also to officers above them. I have told senior officers that they will have to remain on guard and ensure enforcement of the order. Nobody claims 100 per cent enforcement, but anyone caught violating rules will not be spared. I even urge social activists to be alert and inform us if they find something wrong.My topmost priority is the safety of the people of Mumbai. I have no individual plans with family, but will visit the police gymkhana for some time where retired and serving police officers are meeting for a get-together.