Designate spots for protests in all dists: HC

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to fix places in all districts, towns and villages of the state where people may hold protests and demonstrations.

The court asked the government to submit an action taken report on May 21, the next date of hearing.

A division bench comprising justice Vikram Nath and justice Abdul Moin passed the order on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition in connection with the protests on roads.

The court had taken suo motu cognizance of reports published in Hindustan Times and another newspaper on a protest that was held in Hazratganj on March 28.

The court directed that the news reports be registered as PIL petition requiring the chief secretary, the principal secretary (home) and the director general of police to take cognisance of the matter and inform it about the steps taken.

The court gave its nod to the state government’s amended proposal for fixing Kanshiram Jansuvidha Parisar Evam Parking Sthal as the only place for protest in Lucknow.

In its amended government order dated April 17, the state government banned Laxman Mela Sthal for holding demonstrations.

Additional advocate general (AAG) Vinod Kumar Shahi appeared on behalf of the state and placed the government’s response along with the April 17 order.

On April 11, the AAG had placed before the court two government orders (dated April 9) issued by the chief secretary and the secretary (home) for regulating protests.

Not satisfied, the court had granted one week’s time to the state respondents to revisit the issue in question and submit a better proposal.