Cops can’t curtail freedom of expression guaranteed by Constitution: Addanda Cariappa  

Mysuru: The Police have no authority to prevent a play from being staged or direct that an auditorium should not be made available for its performance, theatre activist Addanda Cariappa said.

He maintained that the play was being staged under the freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19 of the Constitution.

Speaking after the staging of ‘Gandhi Hatyeya Satya’ at Kiru Rangamandira in Kalamandira premises on Thursday, Cariappa said objections had been raised because the play could trigger communal unrest.

Questioning the authority of the Jayalakshmipuram Police Sub-Inspector to file a complaint seeking denial of permission for the play, he asked who had given the Police the authority to take such a step.

“If anybody lodges a complaint, let it be examined. But it is not right to accuse the play of hurting communal sentiments,” he said, adding that Jayalakshmipuram Police Station was not a Congress Office.

Cariappa said theatre groups had every right to stage their productions in auditoriums and the Police could not dictate whether a venue should be made available.

The former Rangayana Mysuru Director cited performances at a recent theatre festival that indirectly criticised the Prime Minister and appeared to support certain organisations, but had not attracted any objections.

“When we stage a play, however, allegations are made that it could lead to communal disturbances. We are not presenting a false version of history. We are placing the true history before the people,” he said.

Explaining why the shows had been scheduled on weekdays, he said the auditorium was unavailable on Saturdays and Sundays. Despite the performances being held on working days, when people would normally return home after work, the response had been encouraging.

He said the turnout was not due to any personal affection for him but reflected people’s faith in Hindu Dharma and their belief that the nation came first.