Activists, writers urge CM Siddaramaiah to withdraw order curbing protests in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Ahead of the International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2024, notable authors, activists along with progressive and democratic groups have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to withdraw the order restricting protests to Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
The group released an open letter to the CM which was signed by more than 500 people, including historian Ramachandra Guha, senior writer K. Marulasiddappa, Rahamat Tarikere, Dr Vijayamma, activist K.S. Vimala, among others. The letter criticised the Licensing and Regulation of Protests, Demonstrations, and Protest Marches (Bengaluru City) Order, 2021, which confines protests to Freedom Park and mandates prior police approval.
Signatories noted that the order infringes upon freedom of speech and expression, leading to shrinking of democratic spaces. The open letter stated, “For over two years, the police have restricted protests in any place other than Freedom Park, and have refused permission for processions. This marks a complete change from what was previously being followed when protests were permitted across the city. More so, even in Freedom Park, the police is arbitrarily and unconstitutionally censoring what citizens can protest for/against.”
Writer-historian Ramachandra Guha criticised the order, suggesting that Freedom Park could be renamed to reflect its new role, such as “Where Freedom is Hidden Away Park” or “Unfreedom Park.” He emphasised that the order contradicts the foundational values of peaceful protest that were integral to India's independence movement.
In addition to requesting the withdrawal of the restrictive order, the letter called for the dismissal of FIRs filed against individuals exercising their right to protest and for a criminal investigation into police officers involved in the violent crackdown on protestors.
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Second PUC results: Life convict clears exam with distinction, DGP lauds effort
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Bengaluru: A life convict lodged in Ballari Central Prison has successfully cleared the second PUC examination.
Ashok Kumar S, who appeared for the examination under prison escort, secured 481 marks out of 600, registering 80.1 percent.
Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), Alok Kumar (IPS), shared the development on his official ‘X’ handle, commending the inmate’s achievement.
In his post, he stated that it was heartening to see a life convict score over 80 percent in the examination, adding that the inmate had appeared from Ballari Central Prison under escort.
It’s heartening to see that one of our life convict prisoners Ashok has obtained 80.1% marks in PUC exam. He appeared under Prison escort from Ballari Central Prison for his exams.
— alok kumar (@alokkumar6994) April 9, 2026
Glad to see that Walls of the prison has not subdued his hopes for a better future. pic.twitter.com/Nzlcy076SR
He further noted that the achievement reflected that the “walls of the prison have not subdued his hopes for a better future.”
Alok Kumar in his post also shared the result sheet of Ashok.
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the second PUC results for 2026 on April 9.
A total of 6,32,200 students appeared for the examination across all streams, of whom 5,46,698 passed, recording an overall pass percentage of 86.48 per cent.
