Bangalore: HC Restrains PFI from Holding Rallies, Permits Flag Hoisting
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Aug 13: The state High Court (HC) has upheld the decision of the police departments of Mysore and Udupi districts in not permitting Popular Front of India (PFI) to organize rallies and conventions on August 15 at the respective district headquarters. Through an order passed in a writ petition filed by PFI on Thursday August 12, it permitted the organization to hoist the national flag.
It may be recalled that the policemen had declined to permit the organization to hold rallies and conventions to celebrate Independence Day. During arguments at the HC relating to the writ petition, the policemen had alleged that PFI has links with terrorist organizations and that giving permission to it to hold rallies may create law and order problems. They also had said that the PFI activists are free to take part in the district level Independence Day functions being held in the districts.
After hearing arguments from both the sides, Justice Ajit Gunjal refused permission to the PFI for holding rallies and conventions. However, subject to certain conditions, he permitted the organization to hoist the tricolour at the Idgah ground, Mysore, and a private ground in Udupi. PFI has been told that its programme at the Idgah ground, Mysore, should be confined to just hoisting of the national flag, and that rallies, speeches and issuance of provocative statements should not be undertaken. He warned that the petitioners would be solely responsible for untoward incidents if any that may occur during the event.
In Udupi, the HC said that the PFI should hoist the flag only at the specific place as may be suggested by the district deputy commissioner. No flag other than the national flag should be hoisted at the spot, the judge said.