Karnataka: Lawyers’ body alleges police inaction against ‘Jai Hindu Rashtra’ slogan

“We call upon them to take immediate and urgent action to uphold the Constitution and take action in accordance with law.”

‘Police must act’

Maitreyi Krishnan, AILAJ, President told South First: “The banner has been put up with intent to provoke and cause disturbance to communal harmony. What is stated in the banner (the slogan) constitutes an offence and the police are required to act on it.” 

Maitreyi alleged that police officials have failed to comply with the Guidelines on Communal Harmony issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that directs them to keep continuous watch on organisations with avowed goals that undermine communal harmony.

“News reports state that instead of taking action against people behind the slogan eulogising Hindu Rashtra, protection is being given. This is abdication of responsibility by the police.”

The slogan, more than the image on the banner, apparently became the bone of contention between Hindutva organisations and the Muslim outfit (SDPI) on Tuesday, 16 August.

After this, Udupi police deployed police officials to protect the banner.

When contacted by South First, Udupi Town Police Station PSI Pramod Kumar said: “We have not received any legal notice on the banner protection issue, and protection to the banner continues as per the directives of the municipality.”

Threat to Indian Constitution

Former state public prosecutor BT Venkatesh considers the banner in Udupi that hailed “Hindu Rashtra” as a threat to the Constitution of India.

“Any threat to the Indian Constitution is dangerous and must be dealt with by prosecution,” Venkatesh told South First.

Hailing the lawyers’ body’s notice to Udupi police, Venkatesh said: “It was a much needed step reminding police to act against miscreants and if not it would be dereliction of duty.”

“Anyone other than a right wing outfit would be prosecuted under the UAPA because it is against the unity and integrity of the nation.” Venkatesh told South First.

The “Hindu Rashtra” slogan getting police protection is proof that Hindutva outfits are operating with impunity under the BJP government, he added.

Congress State working president Ramalinga Reddy condemned the police protection to the provocative banner in Udupi. 

He told South First, “Sangh Parivar affiliates are posing a threat to the unity of the country and existence of the India by displaying slogans of ‘Hindus Rashtra’. All actions are being supported by the government.”