Belagavi: City police have denied permission to Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) to hold a public procession from Dharmaveer Sambhaji Chowk to deputy commissioner's office on Monday to submit a memorandum.
In an official order issued to central MES president Prakash Maragale, commissioner of police cited prevailing law and order concerns as the primary reason for rejecting the request. The decision followed an assessment by the special branch and local police.
Police sources said intelligence inputs indicated a strong possibility that the proposed procession could heighten sensitivities between linguistic communities in the border city and disturb public peace and harmony.
The order also referred to past incidents involving MES members, noting that several cases had been registered earlier for unlawful protests, obstruction of public movement, and violations of imposed conditions. These factors weighed against granting fresh permission.
Authorities raised concerns over the proposed route, which passes through congested and sensitive areas. Officials warned that the procession could cause severe traffic disruptions, hinder emergency services, and inconvenience the public. Invoking provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, the commissioner reiterated that police are empowered to regulate or prohibit public processions in the interest of public safety and order. While acknowledging the constitutional right to assemble under Article 19(1)(b), the order emphasised that such rights are subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(3).
However, police have permitted MES to submit their memorandum to the DC through a delegation, without undertaking a public procession.
For the past few days, MES leaders have been raising awareness among Marathi-speaking people, especially in rural and urban areas, to participate in the planned procession in large numbers.
