Karnataka: The Karnataka government is exploring the possibility of de-notifying the new protest locations in Bengaluru, beyond the designated Freedom Park, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said. The move comes amid criticism of the lack of protest spaces in the city.
As per an interview with Deccan Herald, his first since taking charge as Home Minister, Kharge dismissed claims that the state government tramples on citizens’ fundamental rights and civil liberties.
He questioned why people from areas such as Whitefield or Devanahalli should have to travel all the way to Freedom Park to protest. Kharge added that all political parties were part of the affidavit seeking the change.
The Home Minister said the government will evaluate the move legally, because the current restriction to Freedom Park is based on the High Court’s observations. “We don’t intend to curb any protest or fundamental rights of citizens,” he said. He added that while protest is a right, other citizens also deserve to move freely. He called it a thin line, but said the government would work around it.
The Congress-led state government recently faced heavy criticism over the Bengaluru police’s handling of protests. While the party criticised the mishandling of protesters by Delhi police, many activists and civil society members faced stern action in Bengaluru, including preventive detention.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar then intervened and reiterated the right to protest. Kharge said the police’s handling of protesters will be reviewed. The Bengaluru police also received appreciation for how they handled one of the largest gatherings at Freedom Park on October 8.
Kharge, however, took a staunchly unapologetic stance on police action over “inflammatory” social media posts. He argued that the effects of online mischief were seen directly on the ground. He challenged critics to name a single case in which police had used their power to arbitrarily arrest someone over a post.
He said Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra or Madhya Pradesh. Kharge warned that he would take action against anyone spreading mischief with malicious intent to create a bad impression about the state, as distinct from the government.