Karnataka HC raps state over protest against Waqf Act amid pending SC case
Bengaluru, Apr 17 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court on Thursday criticised the state government for permitting a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act while the matter is still under consideration by the Supreme Court.
Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that allowing such a demonstration was inappropriate given the ongoing proceedings before the apex court.
"The state shall bear in mind that the matter is seized by the apex court qua the amendment to the Waqf Act, and a protest of this kind should not be permitted," the judge stated.
The court directed the government to ensure public roads are not obstructed by such events and emphasised that protests must be held only at designated locations and with official approval.
"If there is no permission, there is no protest," the court asserted.
These observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by Rajesh A, a resident of Mangaluru.
The plea challenged a communication issued by the city’s Police Commissioner, directing both private bus operators and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation not to operate services along a section of National Highway 73 from noon to 9 PM on Friday, due to a protest against the Waqf Act amendment.
According to the petitioner, the advisory caused undue disruption to public transport. Advocates Hemanth R Rao and Leelesh Krishna represented him.
In response, the state government told the court that the initial communication had been revised and normal traffic flow would be maintained.
However, authorities advised that heavy and medium commercial vehicles take alternative routes as a precaution.
The matter will be heard again on April 23.
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Vasai couple killed in road accident while holidaying in Philippines
Palghar (PTI): A couple from Maharashtra's Palghar district was killed in an accident while vacationing in the Philippines, church authorities said on Tuesday.
Gerald Pereira (50) and his wife Priya (46) were riding a two-wheeler in Badian, Philippines, on May 10 when a truck hit them and they rammed into an electric police, the chief priest of St Thomas Church in Vasai said.
He said the Pereira couple resided in the Sandor area of Vasai.
Priya died on the spot, while Gerald sustained critical injuries and succumbed during treatment at a hospital in the Southeast Asian country.
The couple is survived by their son and teenage daughter. Further details regarding the repatriation of their remains were awaited, the church authorities stated.
