Date:14/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/14/stories/2003021404901300.htm

National

Ban on Togadia set aside

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE FEB. 13. The Karnataka High Court today set aside the ban imposed by the Dakshina Kannada (D.K.) administration on Pravin Togadia, international general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, to enter the district and address a public meeting in Mangalore.

Allowing Mr. Togadia's petition, challenging the order of February 7, passed by the Additional District Magistrate, D.K., Justice Karnam Sridhar Rao said the petitioner was free to participate in the public function to which he had been invited.

The court directed Mr. Togadia not to make derogatory remarks against any religion or community which is an offence under Section 153 (a) and (b) and Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code. He was also forbidden from making any speech, which could hurt the sentiments of people belonging to any religious faith or community.

Mr. Togadia was scheduled to address a public meeting — Hindu Samajotsava — in Mangalore today.

The ban order, which also prohibited his entry in the district, was intimated to the VHP on February 10.