Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has warned that legal action will be taken against those who attempt to obstruct legally permitted activities during Navaratri, stressing that individuals cannot take the law into their own hands on the grounds of personal or moral beliefs.
The commissioner said the police would act when affected individuals lodge complaints about attempts to prevent lawful events. Depending on the seriousness of the incident and the applicable law, those involved could face severe punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, he warned.
The statement comes amid demands from some Sangh Parivar organisations asking the police not to permit events they describe as indecent dancing, fashion shows and Western-style parties being organised under the guise of Dandiya celebrations during Navaratri.
The issue has brought attention to the balance between maintaining public order, addressing complaints about unlawful activities and protecting events that have received the necessary legal permissions.
Police warn against taking the law into one’s own hands
Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy made it clear that people who believe illegal activities are taking place should inform the police instead of attempting to stop events themselves.
“If anyone wants to stop illegal activities, they only need to inform us. We will take action to stop them,” he said.
The commissioner also cautioned that those who attempt to obstruct lawful activities because of their personal moral beliefs could face legal consequences. The punishment would depend on the nature and seriousness of the conduct involved.
The police warning underlines the importance of following established legal procedures when objections arise over public events. Individuals and organisations can report suspected violations to the authorities, who are responsible for examining complaints and determining whether action is necessary.
Attempts to disrupt an event without lawful authority can create tensions, particularly when large gatherings are involved. The police have therefore emphasised that complaints should be handled through official channels rather than through direct confrontation.
The commissioner said appropriate action would be taken when complaints were received from people affected by such incidents.
Objections raised over Dandiya celebrations
The warning follows demands by some Sangh Parivar organisations urging the police department to prevent what they described as indecent activities during Dandiya celebrations in different parts of Mangaluru.
The organisations reportedly raised objections to dancing, fashion shows and Western-style parties being organised during Navaratri events. They argued that such activities should not be permitted in the name of traditional Dandiya celebrations.
Dandiya events are commonly organised during Navaratri and bring participants together for music, dance and cultural programmes. Organisers may hold these events at venues across the city, attracting families, young people and other visitors.
The objections have placed the nature of activities at some events under scrutiny. However, the concerns raised by particular organisations do not, by themselves, establish that any specific event has violated the law.
Whether an event breaches legal requirements must be determined by the relevant authorities on the basis of the facts and applicable regulations. The police commissioner’s statement indicates that complaints about suspected illegal activities should be reported for official examination.
Lawful events must be distinguished from illegal activities
The commissioner’s remarks draw a distinction between raising concerns about an event and attempting to prevent it through unauthorised intervention.
People may approach the police if they suspect a violation of the law, a breach of event conditions or a threat to public safety. The authorities can then assess the complaint and take appropriate action where necessary.
At the same time, disagreements over cultural practices or personal moral standards do not automatically provide individuals with the authority to stop an event that has been legally permitted.
The police response seeks to ensure that disputes over Navaratri programmes are dealt with through lawful procedures. This is particularly important during festival periods, when multiple public and private events may take place across the city.
Organisers are expected to comply with applicable permissions and requirements, while members of the public can report specific concerns to the authorities. Police intervention, where warranted, must be based on the law and the circumstances of each case.
Police stress complaint-based action
The commissioner indicated that police action would follow complaints from affected persons in cases involving attempts to obstruct lawful activities.
The approach places importance on documenting incidents and providing the authorities with information that can be examined during an investigation. Complaints can help police establish what happened, identify those involved and determine whether an offence has occurred.
The warning about possible imprisonment of up to 10 years should be understood in the context of the applicable offence and its severity. It does not mean that every disagreement or objection to a public event would automatically attract such a sentence.
The specific legal provisions and possible punishment would depend on the facts of an incident and the law applied by the authorities.
The police have not, in the reported statement, identified a particular event or individual against whom action has already been taken in connection with the current controversy.
Navaratri celebrations and public order
Navaratri is marked by religious observances and cultural programmes in different parts of Karnataka. Dandiya gatherings are among the events organised during the festival, with participation varying according to the venue and programme.
As celebrations take place in public and private venues, organisers must ensure that events comply with applicable rules. Authorities may also need to respond to complaints concerning safety, permissions or alleged unlawful conduct.
The latest warning from the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner reinforces the message that any disputes should be addressed through established legal channels.
Those who suspect unlawful activity have been asked to inform the police, while individuals and groups have been cautioned against obstructing legally permitted programmes on the basis of their own beliefs.
The police have warned that violations could result in legal action depending on the seriousness of the conduct. The statement comes as debate continues over the nature of some Dandiya events being held during Navaratri in Mangaluru.