The Karnataka High Court has ruled against holding protests and processions in the city by any organisation. This would include both political and non-political rallies.
During hearing on a PIL, the Karnataka High Court Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice S.R.Krishnakumar pulled up the government for allowing large rallies within the city of Bengaluru, which leads to massive traffic jams and inconvenience to citizens.
The bench also asked the government to ensure that the protests and agitations remain within the ambit of Freedom Park and do not disrupt vehicle riders or ordinary citizens on roads and other areas.
What about Belagavi?
In 2017 we had written
No doubt protests, agitations, rallies are rights in a democracy but not at the cost of others. The direct effect is on mobility due to the traffic jam.
Most of the protests in Belagavi are held at Rani Chennamma Circle which blocks the entire traffic at the circle and also causes traffic jams in diverted areas as Rail Nagar, club Road etc.
The Circle, which connects to many roads including the state and national highways must be kept free of protests.
Traffic movement is hampered in Belagavi for a long time due to various forms of protests.
The city corporation and the district administration must think on this and make space for an exclusive protest zone which will protect the rights of the citizens and at the same time will not hamper mobility as per the order of the honorable High court in case of Bengaluru.
It affects patients in ambulance as KC Circle is the main link. Also stop garlanding of statue by politicians. If they really adore Rani Channamma, let them garland at 6.30am without causing hindrance to traffic.