Justice R Subhash Reddy of the A P High Court on Friday directed police to permit mass chanting of Hanuman chalisa under the supervision of Tridandi Swamy China Jeeyar Swamiji on Saturday at NTR Stadium in Hyderabad.
The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by B Ramaraju on behalf of the organisers. The petitioner complained that the police, citing incidents of riots in March 2010, the recent Ayodhya judgment by the Allahabad HC and anniversary of Babri masjid demolition on December 6, expressed fear that so many persons chanting Hanuman chalisa and speeches on Ram, Ayodhya and Hanuman may create communal tension.
The judge brushed aside these objections and asked the police to suggest restrictions. The proposed restrictions were submitted by the police.
Permitting the event to be held, the judge made it clear that the function would have to end by 7 pm. Speeches should not be provocative and hurt sentiments of other religion or region. Lathis or weapons would not be allowed in the stadium, the judge said.
