Bengaluru Bandh: High Court Says State Taking Steps To Prevent Untoward Incidents, No Directions Required

The Karnataka High Court has disposed off an application seeking directions to the State government to take preventive measures so as to avoid untoward incidents during the Bengaluru Bandh called on Tuesday, in response to allocation of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu.

A division bench of Justice G Narendar and Justice VijayKumar A Patil took note of the affidavit filed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) and said,

“We have perused the orders of the court dated 25.11.2022 and 11.07.2022 and the series of orders issued in respect of Organizing Festivals, Religious Functions Etc. Having perused the affidavit Of The D.C.P, Central it is apparent that the State has been continuing the actions as noted in the order. The Affidavit also discloses various steps. In that view of the matter, we are of the considered view that the matter does not call for any further directions."

Advocate G R Mohan appearing for petitioner Ravikumar Kanchanhalli had filed the application stating a detailed endorsement has been issued to the organisers of the protest explaining that such protest and rallies cannot be held in the city of Bengaluru and permission can be given only to the extent of conducting protest in freedom park.

State said it has taken all precautionary and necessary measures for deployment of enough number of Police personnel in the City to maintain law and order.

Court was informed that around 800 persons accused in violence cases previously during 2016 are being rounded up to night as a precautionary measure. Safe priority zones for Tamil Nadu registered vehicles have been identified and security will be provided for those vehicles, it was further said.

It was further submitted, “The State has made sufficient traffic arrangements to make sure that the public are not put to any difficulties. Sufficient transport has also been provided for the general public, to school and college going children for transportation in the cities; security will be provided to schools and other commercial establishments and there will be no forceful closures. All essential services also be given security by the Department. No hindrance would be caused to the essential services in the city.”