Police allows CPI (M) to hold peaceful protest over Gaza war
MUMBAI, Aug. 13 -- The Mumbai police have allowed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) to hold a peaceful assembly at Azad Maidan on August 20, to condemn the ongoing "genocide in Gaza". The Bombay high court was informed of the decision on Tuesday.
The permission comes after the party's second petition before the high court, after the first was rejected on July 25. Senior advocate Mihir Desai, representing the CPI(M) said the party wanted to hold the peaceful assembly on August 20 between 3pm and 6 pm. He requested the court to quash its earlier orders and allow the protest concerning the Israel-Palestine war. He assured the court that the party would abide by the Draft Regulations of Public Meetings, Agitations and Processions Rules, 2025, under the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.
The rule earmarks Azad Maidan to be the designated area for conducting any assembly, protest, strikes, etc., in a regulated manner. The act also includes some prohibitions and responsibilities during such meetings. Provocative speeches are not allowed, and the gathering must adhere to law and order and must be conducted in coordination with the police.
According to the first petition, some members of the CPI (M), under the banner of the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), had approached the Azad Maidan police station on June 13 to seek permission for the protest.
The police denied their request, stating that the protest was regarding an international issue, and various political, social, and religious organisations had raised objections to it, raising concerns of an adverse law and order situation.
On June 18, police personnel also visited the homes of certain CPI (M) members who were organising the protests and detained them, the petition said.
Further, on July 25, the division bench of justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad had dismissed the petition, asking the political party to focus on issues in its own country....
To read the full article or to get the complete feed from this publication, please
Contact Us.