HC issues notice after PIL seeks more security during processions

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat high court on Monday issued notice to the state government and the director general of police (DGP), in response to a PIL seeking directions mandating tight security arrangements during public rallies and religious processions so that communal violence can be avoided. The petitioner, Azaj Pathan, sought directions to the DGP and home department for adequate security arrangements and proper videography of all public rallies, especially during religious festivities. His advocate, K R Koshti, gave the example of Ram Navami processions last year, which resulted in increased tension in towns such as Gandhinagar and Khambhat. Government pleader Manisha Lavkumar drew the court’s attention to the identity of the petitioner and highlighted the fact that he is a former president of the state youth wing of a political party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and there is a political colour to this litigation. However, the bench of acting Chief Justice A J Desai and Justice Biren Vaishnav brushed aside the argument regarding the petitioner's political affiliation. The government pleader explained how it is impossible for the state to meet the demands raised by the petitioner because there are hundreds of public rallies and religious processions carried out every year. The law prescribes that organizers get permission for such rallies and processions and this requires disclosure of details about the participants. The government law officer further submitted that disturbances occur in certain cases, but on receipt of applications for public rallies, the administration provides security. At many rallies, there are thousands of participants, and it’s not possible to carry out videography of everyone. She also submitted that the government has certain mechanisms in place to take care of such situations, but “not to the extent the petitioner is seeking”. After a preliminary hearing, the court issued notice and sought replies from the authorities concerned by April 20.