Petition filed in SC against Delhi Police's prohibitory order banning assemblies, protest
New Delhi: A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the prohibitory order issued by Delhi Police, which bans the assembly of five or more persons, dharnas, and protests in the capital from September 30 to October 5.
The prohibitory order was imposed under s. 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), previously s. 144 of the CrPC. The order cited intelligence inputs indicating that some unsocial elements might attempt to create a disturbance during the first week of October.
The Delhi Police, led by Commissioner Sanjay Arora, stated in the order that multiple organisations have given calls for protests, demonstrations, and campaigns during this period. The Commissioner highlighted that the atmosphere in Delhi is sensitive due to several issues, including the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, the Shahi Idgah issue in Sadar Bazaar, and the politically charged MCD Standing Committee elections.
The order also notes the heavy movement of VVIPs and dignitaries on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, and ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, necessitating heightened surveillance and regulation of public gatherings.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
