Protests against netas banned?

As Anna inspires common man to fight graft, police issue orders that restrain citizens from displaying pics of politicians

As Anna inspires common man to fight graft, police issue orders that restrain citizens from displaying pics of politicians

As social activist Anna Hazare's recent anti-corruption agitation gripped the imagination of the entire nation, many organisations as well as the common man began speaking up against the political class. Many of them have even line up protests against political parties and leaders.


No sloganeering: The police have also prohibited people from
sloganeering during demonstrations. file pic

But as far as the city is concerned, such demonstrations will not be possible for 14 days. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ashok Dhivare on Saturday issued an order prohibiting such protests. Dhivare took this preventive measure under powers conferred on him under Section 37 (1)(3) of the Bombay Police Act, 1951.

Dhivare states in his order that in order to maintain law and order in the city, certain preventive action should be taken. His fourth instruction in the order says that any "symbolic funeral procession, displaying or symbolic burial of the photo of any political leader is banned for the next 14 days".

Dhivare has also banned people from shouting slogans, playing any kind of instruments or delivering speeches which can provoke people against the government or bring the security of the state under threat. Whoever violates these prohibitory orders issued by police is liable for punishment under Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951.