The Bombay High Court on Tuesday confirmed that permission has been granted for a procession in Pune to celebrate the birth anniversary of 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan. The decision was relayed to a division bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, who were hearing a petition by Faiyaz Shaikh, the Pune unit president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
Shaikh’s petition sought approval for a rally to commemorate not only Tipu Sultan but also freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Constitution Day, all scheduled for December 24. Initially, the Pune rural police had hesitated, citing potential law and order concerns and suggesting that the celebrations be confined to private spaces. However, following the court’s directive last week to reconsider the application, permission was granted for the procession along a designated route.
Despite the approval, the petitioner expressed concerns over the pending issuance of a no objection certificate (NOC) necessary for displaying banners and arches during the event. Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar noted that there was “some restlessness” about the procession, which led to restrictions on the route and the display of promotional materials.
The bench instructed the police to resolve the matter concerning banners and arches within 24 hours, emphasizing the need to adhere to legal norms without making exceptions for this particular case. “No one can stop you from holding the rally/procession,” the justices stated, reinforcing that the final decisions on public displays should rest with the police, who are more attuned to the ground realities and capable of assessing potential risks.
The court also advised the police to refrain from routinely citing law and order concerns as a blanket reason for denying permissions, urging a shift in attitude towards a more reasoned and selective approach.
