Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Difficulty in making security arrangements for a peaceful procession because of trouble during past instances cannot be the only ground to deny permission, Delhi High Court has told police, and asked the force to take a fresh call on allowing a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri.
The court’s observation came while dealing with a plea that requested the resumption of religious celebrations in Jahangirpuri, which was rocked by riots in 2022.
Police cited the riots as a reason for refusing permission to hold the Hanuman Jayanti procession.
While asking the petitioner to seek fresh permission, the high court said that the authorities were “directed to endeavour to consider the said application and take an appropriate and timely decision. The authorities may bear in mind that the occurrence of an untoward incident in 2022 cannot necessarily preclude the holding of processions on religious occasions, as per the prevalent practice in previous years.”
Justice Sachin Dutta highlighted a 2023 ruling by Madras High Court to point out that police approval cannot be denied on the ground of difficulty expressed by the district administration in making necessary arrangements for peaceful conduct of the procession.
Violent clashes broke out in Jahangirpuri on April 16, 2022, between two groups during a Hanuman Jayanti procession, leaving eight police personnel and a civilian injured. Following the incident, the police said permission for a Shobha Yatra was not granted given the “volatile and uncertain situation” in the area.
In a recent order, the high court said that it was not inclined to sit in appeal over the decision of the police authorities considering the law and order situation but asked the senior police officials to consider the plea seeking to hold a “limited procession” on a new route.
“It is incumbent on the respondents/police authorities to make adequate security arrangements for the said purpose. Let the matter be suitably examined by the senior officials of the Delhi Police and an appropriate decision be taken and communicated to the petitioner, prior to the date on which the procession is proposed to be held,” it added.
The petitioner said he had organised the Hanuman Jayanti processions since 2010, but since 2019, the authorities refused approval. He argued a route could be drawn up for holding a “limited” procession, allaying the concerns of the police authorities for maintaining law and order in the area. The court asked the petitioner to submit a fresh application to the authorities, clearly setting out its route and duration.
Mayank Rawat
