Police to regulate all rallies in Bangalore city

Police to regulate all rallies in Bangalore city


Express News Service
First Published : 12 Dec 2008 08:02:38 AM IST
Last Updated : 12 Dec 2008 09:31:10 AM IST

BANGALORE: Widespread public anger and criticism by the High Court over the traffic chaos caused due to the JD(S) rally in Palace Grounds seems to have finally woken up the Bangalore police.

The police have decided to regulate political rallies in the city by not allowing any processions or public rallies in which more than 15,000 people are expected to participate.

Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari filed a report to the High Court, which is hearing a PIL filed by Janagraha, a city-based NGO, which is demanding the regulation of political rallies in the city.

The commissioner, in his report, said that “in view of the serious observations made by the Chief Justice, as an interim measure, police have decided not to allow any public meetings in which more than 15,000 people expected to participate.” To regulate processions and public rallies, draft rules have been framed under the section 31 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963 and same was submitted to the court on November 26. As per the observations of the division bench, draft rules have been revised and same was submitted to the court, the commissioner said in the report.

As of now, there are no rules to regulate processions. In view of the changed situation, it has become necessary to issue an order for the implementation of section 31 of the Karnataka Police Act, the report said.

The commissioner’s report also makes it mandatory for the organisers to obtain indemnity bonds before holding any rallies. The organisers will be held responsible for any loss to the public property during rallies.