The Pune Police told the Bombay High Court that it has granted permission to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to hold a procession on December 24 to commemorate the birth anniversaries of Tipu Sultan and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad. Tipu Sultan was the 18th century ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore while Azad was the first Education Minister of independent India.
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MAHARASHTRA: The Pune Police informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it has granted permission to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to conduct a procession on December 24.
This event is organized to commemorate the birth anniversaries of Tipu Sultan and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad.
Tipu Sultan, a prominent ruler of the 18th-century Kingdom of Mysore, is celebrated for his resistance against British colonial forces. Maulana Azad, on the other hand, holds the distinction of being India’s first Education Minister after independence and a prominent freedom fighter.
The announcement was made before the Division Bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice PK Chavan during a hearing on a petition filed by AIMIM Pune District President. The petition was filed in response to an earlier denial of permission for the rally.
Acknowledging the Pune Police’s decision to grant approval, the Court emphasized that the procession must strictly comply with all stipulated terms and conditions. Additionally, it directed both Pune Police and civic authorities to decide on AIMIM’s application to erect arches and banners for the event within 24 hours.
During the proceedings, the Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the frequent use of “law and order issues” by authorities to deny permissions for public events.
“What is this law and order situation? You are anticipating that something will happen. Law and order is your prerogative. Every time you raise the issue of law and order, when will you change your mindset?”
-the Court asked.
This is not the first time the issue has been raised. In an earlier hearing on December 12, the Bench had questioned the State’s rationale for denying permission for the procession, which was originally planned for November 26.
“There is no reason why they can’t be allowed to take out the procession for this. You can impose restrictions. And in case of incidents, you can always register the offences. Law and order is your prerogative,”
-the Court had remarked.
In response to the Court’s observations, the Pune Police has now approved the rally. In addition to celebrating Tipu Sultan and Maulana Azad, the event will also mark Constitution Day, which is observed to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
During the hearing, advocate Tapan Thatte, representing AIMIM, brought up the Police’s refusal to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This certificate is necessary for obtaining permissions from civic authorities to put up banners and arches.
Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar explained that the NOC was withheld due to concerns over potential law-and-order disturbances.
The Bench reiterated the delicate balance between AIMIM’s right to hold the procession and the Police’s responsibility to maintain peace.
“You have the right to take procession… but if the police feel there will be a law and order situation then we are not going to interfere in their domain. We cannot pass a blanket order,”
-the Court clarified.
With the Court’s intervention, AIMIM has been allowed to proceed with the December 24 procession, subject to adherence to guidelines and conditions set by the authorities.
The development underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while addressing concerns about public safety.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Tipu Sultan Rally
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