Karnataka Government to Review Police Action Against Anti SIR Protesters

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government will review the police action against protesters and journalists during an anti Special Intensive Revision (SIR) demonstration in Bengaluru on October 12. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has sought a detailed report on the incident, while Home Minister Priyank Kharge has instructed police to ensure that peaceful demonstrations are not disrupted.

Shivakumar said he had taken note of the alleged use of force against demonstrators and media personnel. He warned that accountability would be fixed if the review found any unnecessary or excessive use of force.

He also stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and said the same standards must apply in Karnataka as elsewhere in the country.

The incident occurred when protesters gathered near KR Circle to march towards the office of the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer. They were opposing the SIR of electoral rolls and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the exercise.

Police detained more than 100 people after they attempted to proceed towards the CEO’s office instead of moving to Freedom Park, the designated protest venue. Journalists and photojournalists covering the demonstration alleged that they were manhandled during the police action.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge said he had directed police to respect and protect the right to peaceful protest. He added that the responsibility of law enforcement extends beyond maintaining order to ensuring that citizens can express dissent freely and without fear.

Kharge also urged protest organisers to inform the authorities in advance and cooperate with police to ensure public safety and protect the rights of others.

Meanwhile, the Campaign for the Right to Protest has urged the state government to withdraw the 2021 order that restricts demonstrations in Bengaluru to Freedom Park. The campaign has called for the restoration of the earlier 2009 order, which did not confine protests to a single location.

The issue has renewed debate over the balance between citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and the authorities’ responsibility to manage traffic and maintain public safety. While activists argue that limiting demonstrations to one venue reduces their visibility, authorities have cited public order and traffic management as reasons for regulating protests in the city.