No Protest, Processions Shall Be Permitted In Bengaluru Except At Freedom Park: Karnataka High Court

A division bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice S.R.Krishna Kumar while hearing a suo-motu petition said,

"Pending decision in this petition we deem it appropriate to direct the state government to ensure that no protest, meeting processions etc are held in the city of Bengaluru, by any group, political party organisation etc, except at the Freedom Park, in an organised manner and by ensuring that traffic in the city is adversely affected especially during rush hours."

It added, "No such activity shall be permitted to be carried out and in case such activity is carried out, appropriate action shall be taken and the responsibility of the agencies, for providing proper traffic regulations, shall be fixed and action taken in this regard shall be reported."

During the hearing the court expressed its unhappiness at the traffic block caused in the city today morning. The Congress in Karnataka is taking out its padayatra to demand the speedy implementation of the Mekedatu project; the rally had entered Bengaluru city on Tuesday, March 1.

The public interest litigation has been initiated on the basis of a letter addressed by a Sitting Judge of the High Court. The court in its order said, "This petition is suo moto petition, following reliefs are sought for. Since there are several issues with regard to holding of process qua the rules, and whether the processions/ protest can be held in accordance with law. With regard to the fact that processions, protests etc have serious repercussions on the city and cascading effect on the traffic etc."

Further it recorded the statement made by the government counsel that the implementation of e-gazetted rules is already provided. Section 103 of the Karnataka Police Act and Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, the jurisdictional police officer is competent authority to enforce these rules and take appropriate action in case of violation of these rules.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on April 1.

Case Title: Suo-Motu v. The State Of Karnataka

Case No: WP 5781/2021