Writer-historian Ramachandra Guha speaks during a press meet in Bengaluru on Thursday.
DH Photo/SK Dinesh
Bengaluru: Ahead of the International Day of Democracy on September 15, the Campaign for the Right to Protest — a coalition of democratic groups and activists — urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to revoke the order restricting protests to Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
During a press meet on Thursday, the coalition emphasised the need for immediate action, warning that a public movement would be launched if their demands were not met.
The campaign also released an open letter to the chief minister, signed by over 500 prominent personalities, including writer-historian Ramachandra Guha, and authors Dr Vijayamma, K Marulasiddappa and Rahamat Tarikere.
The 2021 order, enacted by the Bengaluru police and enforced since 2022, restricts protests to Freedom Park, requiring prior police permission. Any protests held outside this designated space have been forcibly stopped, with participants detained and cases filed against them, which the letter described as an abuse of power.
While signatories praised the state government's upcoming efforts to celebrate democracy, including an initiative to create the longest human chain in the state, they pointed out the irony in the capital city.
The police, citing "spurious reasons" such as traffic issues, have consistently denied permission for public protests — despite the fact that traffic problems persist even without demonstrations.
"This government is no different from the previous BJP government. How much does this government believe in democracy if they are stifling our voices and slapping cases against protesters?" questioned Mohan Raj, president, Republican Party of India, during a press meet.
Guha also criticised the restriction, suggesting that Freedom Park should be renamed to "Where Freedom is Hidden Away" Park or "Unfreedom Park".
"The country was founded on peaceful protest movements... this restriction contradicts the spirit of those who founded our nation. The government should allow protests in multiple public spaces, such as a list of 40 locations, where people can voice their concerns without disrupting daily life," he said.
Key demands
- The chief minister must announce the withdrawal of the order restricting protests to Freedom Park.
- FIRs registered against individuals exercising their right to protest must be withdrawn.
- A criminal inquiry should be initiated against police officers accused of attacking protesters.