Bengaluru, Feb 6 (IANS) The Karnataka High Court Friday dismissed the interim prayer of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia to stay the police ban on his entry into this city to attend a religious convention Feb 8.
Upholding the ban order imposed by city Police Commissioner M.N. Reddi on Togadia Tuesday, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, however, observed that his petition was maintainable and he had the right to appeal in a higher court for relief.
The week-long ban from Feb 5-11 barred Togadia from entering the city and participating in public meetings or functions for seven days on the grounds that his provocative and inflammatory speeches would have grave consequences and cause breach of peace.
The VHP had invited Togadia to participate in its convention 'Vishwa Hindu Samajotsava' in the city Feb 8.
Earlier, Togadia's counsel B.V. Acharya told the court that banning his client's entry into the city was against the fundamental right of a citizen and constitutional rights of freedom of speech and expression.
"The police commissioner did not have the authority to impose the ban, which was the prerogative of the state government in exceptional cases. The state or police cannot curtail the right to freedom of action," Acharya told the judge during the hearing.
State advocate general Ravivarma Kumar, however, defended the ban on Togadia, as he was a "dangerous man who could disrupt communal harmony in the state through provocative speeches".
Acharya also told the court that Togadia was ready to give an undertaking that he would not make any provocative speech and his address and presence could be video-recorded and produced in the court as evidence.
Law enforcing agencies in many states, including Karnataka, have registered 19 criminal cases against Togadia for allegedly making inflammatory statements and disrespecting the constitution in the recent past.
Boards have been put up at various places on Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, clearly stating that entry
Corona: Kejriwal government's decision, IPL matches will not be held in Delhi
The Delhi government has taken another major decision regarding the corona virus. Delhi Deputy Ch
How did the India-China dispute affect business?
The deteriorating relationship between India and China is indicating that even though the two cou
Akhilesh Yadav's big statement, said - I will not get the corona vaccine, no trust in BJP
Lucknow: Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has giv
CBSE examinations commence from Monday
New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) examinations for stand
Diesel Export Tax Hike: Center hikes windfall tax on export of diesel, cuts tax on domestic crude
The central government has increased the windfall profit tax on diesel. At the same time, aircraf
Hardik Pandya was once a crucial part of India's Test team. His presence provided balance to the
40 Million More Pushed Into Food Crisis In 2021: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organiza
Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute: A hearing was held on Monday in the court of the District Judge of Varan
Snowstorm killed many people in the US, and ban on driving in Buffalo; security forces deployed
A snow storm is wreaking havoc in America. More than 50 people have lost their lives due to this
