What Relief Did the Karnataka HC Grant to RSS Leader?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court intervened to protect RSS leader from coercive actions.
- Concerns over police actions against Hindu activists are rising.
- MLAs are urging for balanced law enforcement in the region.
- Ongoing illegal activities in the district need urgent attention.
- Maintaining community harmony is crucial for societal stability.
Bengaluru, June 3 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has provided temporary relief to senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, instructing the state government to refrain from implementing any coercive actions, including arrests.
The Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against Bhat for allegedly delivering a provocative speech.
The bench led by Justice Krishnakumar issued the directive on Monday and postponed the hearing until June 10.
Bhat has petitioned the court to dismiss the FIR, arguing that it was lodged several days post-speech with malicious intent.
The court urged the petitioner to assist in the investigation and informed the prosecution that a charge sheet cannot be filed without the court's approval.
The Bantwal Rural police have registered an FIR under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act against Bhat for supposedly delivering hate speech during a program commemorating the late Hindu activist and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty.
In a separate development, Karnataka Police have issued an externment notice to prominent BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila, requiring him to appear for questioning on June 6.
The notice mandates his appearance for an investigation regarding his relocation from the Mangaluru district to the Shahabad police station limits in Kalaburagi district, without specifying any reasons, under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act.
In light of the recent spate of murders in the Mangaluru area, the state government and police have intensified actions against Hindu activists in the region.
The Kadaba police have charged 14 Hindu activists with filing an FIR for protesting against police actions that involved late-night visits to their homes.
A five-member delegation of MLAs from Udupi, adjacent to Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka, led by State BJP General Secretary and Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar, including Udupi MLA Yashpal A. Suvarna, Kaup MLA Suresh Shetty Gurme, and Kundapura MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi, met with Udupi Superintendent of Police (SP) Hariram Shankar on Monday.
They expressed grave concerns about the law and order situation in the district and discussed ongoing developments.
During the meeting, the MLAs voiced their strong disapproval of the district administration's actions relating to law enforcement.
The MLAs criticized certain “one-sided” police actions in the district, particularly the late-night arrests of Hindu leaders.
They emphasized to the Udupi SP that “these targeted attacks and arrests of Hindu leaders are becoming one-sided and could incite unrest in society.”
They further stated that “this targeting of Hindus is unlawful” and demanded an immediate cessation of such “illegal and forced actions.”
The delegation also highlighted the ongoing illegal activities in the district, including Matka (gambling), Jugari, and other illicit operations.
They urged the SP to take necessary measures against the rampant Matka dens, Jugari, and other significant illegal activities.
The MLAs cautioned SP Shankar that maintaining peace, tranquility, and social harmony in the district is critical, and that actions against a specific community could lead to societal unrest.
They advised that if the police act partially, it could undermine public trust.
They stressed the importance of police integrity to ensure equal justice for all communities.
The delegation warned officials that if the targeting of one community persists, they might be compelled to initiate intense protests.
The MLAs addressed various law and order issues with the Superintendent of Police and demanded appropriate actions to be taken.