Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra asked the Supreme Court to act against Karnataka’s Rs 500 crore caste survey, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. The High Court earlier made survey participation voluntary, while critics call it a “census cloaked as a survey.”
In Bengaluru, bike taxi riders protested the High Court’s ban on their services, seeking government support and clear regulations for operations. Police detained them for protesting without permission, and the riders emphasized the economic impact of the ban on their livelihoods. They urged the government for a policy addressing safety and job security.
Karnataka has introduced the Crowd Control Bill to regulate large gatherings following a deadly stampede during an IPL celebration. The Bill mandates police permissions, imposes penalties, and holds event organisers accountable for safety. It aims to prevent crowd mismanagement, ensuring accountability and compensation for victims, while excluding religious gatherings from its scope.
The Karnataka High Court has directed the State to urgently draft guidelines to prevent manual scavenging in sewage treatment plants (STPs) following worker deaths in Bengaluru. The court emphasized the need for mechanization and stringent regulations, calling for a comprehensive policy to ensure worker safety while urging prompt action from authorities.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged Kannada activists to respect the Supreme Court’s order permitting the screening of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life. He emphasized the need for adherence to the law and maintaining peace amidst protests from groups claiming the actor’s comments were offensive to the Kannada language.