Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has quashed the Mysuru Police’s refusal to permit a torchlight march organised by Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) in Mysuru, observing that citizens cannot be prevented from celebrating Independence Day (I-Day) on the apprehension of communal tension.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj, who heard the petition this morning, directed the Police to permit the Vedike to hold ‘Akhanda Bharatha Sankalpa Diwas’ torchlight march from RMC Ganesha Temple to Doddagadiyara Circle between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm today on the eve of I-Day.

No prevention from celebrating Independence Day

The Court observed that Independence Day is required to be celebrated by every citizen and that there could not be any issue raised regarding communal tension when the proposed event was meant to celebrate Independence Day.

The Court also rejected the Police apprehension that the march could impede traffic flow. It noted that only about 100 persons were expected to participate in the 4-km march and that the procession would be moving continuously rather than remaining stationary at a particular place.

The Court directed that the procession be conducted in an orderly manner, with only five persons walking in each row, leaving sufficient space on the road for the smooth movement of traffic.

Observing that “all citizens would be required to celebrate Independence Day and nobody ought to be prevented from celebrating Independence Day,” the Court quashed the Police endorsement denying permission for the march and directed the authorities to comply with the operative portion of the order.

Senior Counsel Aruna Shyam, appearing for the petitioners, submitted, “…It is my fundamental right to celebrate Independence Day,” adding that the proposed route was a wide road with no congestion.

The Court had earlier orally slammed the organisation for this, noting it indicated a lack of control over their own people. The petitioners offered to fully cooperate with any restrictions imposed by the court, and gave an undertaking to ensure no untoward incident takes place.

The petitioners approached the High Court challenging an endorsement dated Aug. 6, issued by the Mandi Police Station, Mysuru, refusing permission for the proposed event.