BENGALURU: Bengaluru police issued notices to several protest organisers and organisations ahead of the October 23 march from Town Hall, reminding them of restrictions on demonstrations outside designated protest venues. The notices referred to Karnataka High Court directions designating Freedom Park as the venue for protests, rallies and sit-ins in the city.

The notices were issued to several individuals and organisations, including members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), ahead of a planned march opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The development came amid heightened tensions over the conduct of demonstrations in central Bengaluru, following the detention of around 50 protesters near Town Hall on October 17.

Police cite Karnataka High Court directions

According to reports, the notices reminded organisers that prior police permission was required to hold demonstrations and that protests should be conducted at Freedom Park in accordance with the applicable court directions.

Police have maintained that the restrictions are intended to prevent traffic disruption and inconvenience in the city’s busy central business district. Town Hall and the surrounding areas are major public spaces where demonstrations can affect traffic movement.

The Karnataka High Court had designated Freedom Park as a venue for protests and similar public activities to minimise disruption to normal city life.

The police notices also warned organisers against conducting demonstrations, rallies, displaying protest placards or holding similar activities outside the designated venue without the required permission.

Anti-SIR march planned from Town Hall

The October 23 march, also referred to as the Tiranga March or Restore Democracy March, was supported by farmer unions, Dalit organisations, student groups and civil society organisations.

Participants planned to carry the national flag while raising concerns about the SIR exercise and demanding its withdrawal. The demonstration also included a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The organisers intended to march from Town Hall towards Freedom Park, where a separate protest was planned.

Police clarified that permission for the march and permission for the demonstration at Freedom Park were separate matters. The procession was permitted subject to conditions, including restrictions on protest-related placards and slogans along the route.

Police intervene over placards

When participants gathered outside Town Hall on October 23, police objected to placards opposing the SIR exercise and calling for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Akshay M Hakay said the permission granted was conditional and distinguished between the march and the protest planned at Freedom Park.

Following discussions with police personnel and organisers, participants removed the disputed placards and proceeded towards Freedom Park under police supervision. The demonstration subsequently took place at the designated venue.

The episode highlighted the difference between permission to conduct a procession and permission to hold a protest at a particular location. Police said organisers were required to follow the conditions attached to the approval.

Earlier detention of protesters near Town Hall

The latest notices followed an incident on October 17, when around 50 protesters, including AISA members and social activists, were detained after gathering near Town Hall for an anti-SIR demonstration.

Police said the group had assembled despite permission being denied and refused to move to Freedom Park. The protesters were taken to the City Armed Reserve grounds on Mysuru Road and released later.

The organisers and activists criticised the police action, questioning the restrictions imposed on peaceful demonstrations and arguing that their concerns should be allowed to be expressed publicly.

The repeated confrontations have brought renewed attention to the rules governing demonstrations in Bengaluru, particularly in areas where public gatherings can affect traffic and access to commercial establishments.

Freedom Park remains the designated protest venue

The police have reiterated that organisers seeking to conduct protests in Bengaluru must obtain the necessary permission and comply with applicable conditions. Freedom Park remains the designated venue for demonstrations under the court directions cited by the authorities.

The October 23 march proceeded after organisers removed the disputed placards, while protesters continued their demonstration at Freedom Park.

The notices and subsequent police intervention underline the importance of obtaining permission and understanding its conditions before organising public marches. Further developments will depend on how organisers and authorities interpret and implement the restrictions governing demonstrations in the city.