Date:02/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/02/stories/2005010215340500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Rallies, dharna confined to two routes

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JAN. 1. The Hyderabad Police Commissioner, V. Dinesh Reddy, has earmarked two routes for taking out rallies, processions and holding dharna. The routes are Goshala to Indira Park via Motilal Nehru Nagar, Divisional LIC office and NTR stadium and Ramnagar to Sundaraiah Park (Baghlingampally) via VST crossroads.

The orders come into force from Saturday following the decision to ban rallies, processions and dharnas in the twin cities.

"Freedom of movement and expression, though guaranteed in the Constitution, is subject to reasonable restriction keeping in view the public safety and order," a press release issued from the Commissioner's office said.

Mr. Reddy said that such protests were adversely affecting the serenity and academic environs of educational institutions and other activities.

Decision flayed

The decision has been criticised by All India Trade Union Congress and the Communist Party of India as `undemocratic'.

The CPI State Committee assistant secretary and AITUC State Council in separate statements said that the decision would prevent people from exercising their right of registering protest in a democratic manner and wanted the Police Commissioner to withdraw his orders.

The Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Association and the CPI(M) also demanded withdrawal of the decision.