The Karnataka High Court recently addressed the Hindu Jagarana Vedike regarding their proposed Akhanda Bharatha Sankalpa Dina event scheduled for August 14 in Mysuru. The court emphasized that the organizers would bear full responsibility for any incidents that might arise during the event. Justice Suraj Govindaraj instructed the petitioners to provide a list of individuals who would be held accountable for the event’s conduct.
“You will be completely responsible for anything that happens. Please give us the names of those responsible. We will impose that responsibility without allowing any defense,” Justice Govindaraj asserted during the proceedings.
The bench noted that while the organizers could hold the event at a single location, a proposed march spanning approximately 2.5 kilometers could not proceed without addressing law-and-order concerns. “Regarding Independence Day, it should not harm anyone. You will be responsible. Please provide the names of those accountable,” the court reiterated.
The event, set for August 15, intends to start at the RMC Ganesha Temple and pass through several key locations, concluding with a stage program at the Kote Anjaneya Temple. Senior Advocate M Arun Shyam, representing the petitioners, contested the police’s denial of permission, which stemmed from concerns over potential law-and-order issues. Shyam argued that there was no evidence to support the notion that the event would cause disturbances.
“It is a secular event. It will not hurt any sentiments. We will take precautions and responsibility, providing a list of organizers and an undertaking,” Shyam assured the court. He further claimed that similar events had been conducted peacefully in the past and that the proposed march would be brief, lasting only about an hour.
More Read
Despite these assurances, the State opposed granting immediate relief. Additional Advocate General (AAG) Bhanu Prakash requested a day’s time to gather comprehensive instructions, citing the sensitivity of the proposed location and historical issues over the past four years.
The AAG highlighted the alleged history of cases involving the petitioner, asserting that the area in question is among the most sensitive in Mysuru. The court acknowledged that the AAG had accepted notice on behalf of the Mysuru City Police Commissioner, and a day’s time was granted to the Mandi Police Inspector to respond.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on Wednesday. The petitioners maintain that the torchlight march is a secular and patriotic event designed to foster nationalism and remember historical events leading to India’s independence. They argue that the police’s refusal on August 6 was based on vague reasons without substantial evidence of potential law-and-order disturbances.
More Read
The petitioners have highlighted that similar events occurred peacefully in Siddhartha Nagara and Kythamaranahalli, Mysuru, on August 8 and 9, respectively. They are seeking to overturn the police’s August 6 endorsement and obtain permission for the torchlight march and stage program.
