The Jodhpur police commissionerate on Saturday imposed prohibitory orders restricting demonstrations and public gatherings without prior permission. The order, issued by the executive magistrate and deputy commissioner of police (headquarters), will remain in force until August 12.
Details of the Order
According to the order, no rally, procession, dharna, demonstration, or public meeting can be organized within the jurisdiction of the Jodhpur Police Commissionerate without prior approval from the designated authority.
Political Reaction
The move has drawn criticism from former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, who alleged that the state government was attempting to suppress public anger over deteriorating power and water supply conditions. In a post on X, Gehlot claimed that despite Jodhpur being represented by a Union minister and the state’s Law Minister, residents were facing neglect and restrictions on democratic expression.
Context of Protests
The order comes amid a series of protests across the city over civic grievances, particularly erratic drinking water supply during the summer. Residents from several localities have staged demonstrations in recent weeks demanding improvements in basic amenities.
Recently, the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) held a protest outside the district collectorate over civic issues and law-and-order concerns. Residents of the Luni Assembly constituency have also protested over the alleged drinking water crisis, with police registering a case in connection with one such demonstration.
Government Response
However, parliamentary affairs and law minister Jogaram Patel, who represents Luni, dismissed allegations of acute water scarcity and described the protests as politically motivated. He said Rs 115 crore was recently sanctioned for water supply projects in the constituency.
Gehlot's Allegations
Gehlot, meanwhile, questioned the government’s claims and alleged irregularities in the Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal Project Phase-III, claiming that despite the release of nearly Rs 1,200 crore of the sanctioned Rs 1,400 crore, work has stalled and the project’s completion remains uncertain.
