Mangaluru, Jan 18: Raising voice against injustice and illegality is one of the rights of the people. Usually people organise protests, Dharnas, condemnation meetings to raise their voice. And yes, this is a democratic life.

It is common that depending on the circumstances, people from various organisations keep on protesting in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Tahsildar, Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, Gram Panchayat, and Police Department almost every day.

But now, to suppress these struggles, the state government has ordered to collect the fixed fees for giving permissions to organise private meetings, conventions, and  protests.

As such, the Mangaluru City Police Department has started collecting fees. To use loudspeakers in a programme, people must pay Rs. 75 for the first day, then it can be continued by paying Rs. 15 per day after that. That means, Rs. 450 per month. Besides that, it has asked to pay. Rs. 500 per day for a peaceful assembly and march.

There is an attempt to suppress struggles through this rule that is dangerous for democracy. DYFI has always been involved in the struggles. We got this information when we went to the police station seeking permission to protest against BJP's resort politics. The government should drop this rule immediately. The police department must clarify what this order says about religious and social programs. Can farmers and beedi workers pay a fee if they want to struggle against injustice?

-Muneer Katipalla, DYFI president

The state government has instructed to collect the fixed amount of fee to permit protests at the end of the last year. Now we are implementing it. No clear indications has come regarding mass protests and padayatras. Whatever instruction comes from the governemnt, It will be followed.

-TR. Suresh, Commissioner, Mangalore City Police

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Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.

The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.

At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.

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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.

Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.