Kolkata: More than a month after protests erupted across the city following the RG Kar rape and murder of a PGT doctor, Kolkata Police is thinking of changing tack regarding the pop-up protests.
While cops will continue to desist from physically driving out protesters, it will take follow-up action against organizers of protests that hold up traffic for significant duration.These protests will be videographed and forwarded to courts as evidence. “We are still finalizing our response and are in the last leg of consultations,” said a top officer, adding an SOP was likely to be circulated to all police stations and guards by this weekend.
“Durga Puja is weeks away and shutting down arterial roads at short notice is affecting business. It is also hampering the movement of commuters. Those who end up blocking an entire flank for a prolonged duration will face prosecution. Thousands descending on the city centre in rush hours and holding up normal life, too, will be acted upon. Holding up emergency vehicles or stopping entry into markets like Gariahat or New Market will invite legal notices,” an officer said.
In addition, there will be “pro-active” efforts to ensure that no major congregations take place in short notice through calls made over social media without prior police notice. Similarly, multiple organizers that try to converge at one point that can disrupt traffic at important crossings like Dorina or Shyambazar 5-point will come under scanner.
Police, however, maintained that no peaceful protest will be acted upon. “We want to reiterate that peaceful protests can always continue if they do not disrupt normal life. We are aware of the Supreme Court ruling that has allowed peaceful protests that follow rules,” a senior cop said.
An SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud had earlier reiterated that no action would be taken against peaceful protests. The bench was hearing the rape-murder case when senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the state, informed the court: “Protests are taking place all over the state. There is no programme that is submitted to the police. There is no route submitted to the police. No permission is being sought from the police. There are protests all over. What do we do?”
Other advocates, during the conclusion of the hearing, sought protection for other state employees who are part of peaceful protests. The CJI remarked, “We are only concerned (considering the matter in hand) about doctors. We are not concerned about the wider aspect of what govt employees are doing, that’s for the state to handle their employees.”