– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
The Pune police on Tuesday told the Bombay High Court that it has granted permission to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to hold a rally commemorating the birth anniversaries of Tipu Sultan and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad on December 24.
Earlier, the Pune police had denied permission for a rally honouring the Mysore ruler citing objection letters received from another community and quoting law and order issue.
Meanwhile, the Court criticised the State for frequently citing “law and order issues” as a reason for refusing permission for events.
“What is this law and order situation? You are anticipating that something will happen. Law and order is your prerogative. Every time you raise the issue of law and order, when will you change your mindset?” the Court asked.
“There is no reason why they can’t be allowed to take out the procession for this. You can impose restrictions. And in case of incidents, you can always register the offences. Law and order is your prerogative,” the Court had observed.
In pursuance of the observations, the Police has now permitted the rally, which is also being held to commemorate the Constitution Day.
AIMM city president Faiyaz Shaikh had sought permission to organise a rally commemorating the birth anniversaries of Tipu Sultan and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad along with celebrations on the Constitution Day on November 26, 2024. After denial, Shaikh then moved the Bombay High Court, seeking permission to conduct the rally on December 24.
Tipu Sultan was the 18th century ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore while Azad was the first Education Minister of independent India.
