Bengaluru: After the displeasure of the Karnataka High Court for not taking appropriate action to prevent Mekedatu Padayatra of Congress party amidst the Covid pandemic, the state government has swing into action by prohibiting on going Mekedatu Padayatra of the Congress party with immediate effect.

Chief Secretary has issued order aftermath of the High Court's displeasure on the state government for not taking action to prevent the Padayatra. In the latest order issued on Wednesday evening, the Chief Secretary has issued an order under section 24(a) (b) (l) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 banning Mekedatu Padayatra.

The Chief Secretary has directed Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, All police commissioners of state, and Transport Commissioner to prohibit movement of vehicles and persons participating in “Nama Neeru Namma Hakku” padayatra or whichever name it is called with similar purpose from Mekedatu to Bengaluru. Further CS has directed all DCs, SPs and Police Commissioner to implement the order.

“Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 5l to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section l88 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable”, Chief Secretary stated in the order.

While hearing the PIL, the Karnataka High Court has expressed displeasure on the state government for not taking any action to prevent Padayatra. It has asked the government to explain to the court about action taken to prevent the padayatra.

In the backdrop of Court observation, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra held a meeting with DGP and Home Secretary on Wednesday. Based on the suggestions of the police officers, the government has decided to ban the padayatra.

After Home Minister’s meeting with top police officials, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai held a virtual meeting with police officers and Chief Secretary. After the meeting, he has taken a decision to ban the Padayatra with immediate effect.

Details of CS order

In the order, it has stated that despite banning dharnas and protests, it is observed that certain groups of people have organized and mobilized people from various districts to Ramanagara district to participate in Padayatra from

Mekedatu to Bengaluru named as “Namma Neeru Namma Hakku” defying the orders. The act of defiance is endangering the lives of a large number of people. The protest/Padayatra is likely to aggravate the already worsening Covid 19 situation in the State.

The state government is satisfied that the current circumstance requires stringent enforcement of Covid 19 behavior and prevent large gatherings in protests, rallies, padayatra, etc, to break the chain of transmission of Covid 19 in the State.

KPCC has organized Mekedatu Padayatra in the name of Namma Neeru, Namma Hakku from January 9 at Mekedatu. Padayatra will culminate in Bengaluru on January 19. Party has received an overwhelming response from the people on the first day. On Wednesday Padayatra has reached Ramanagara district, tomorrow it will proceed to Bidadi and Kengeri.

Congress leaders have refused to wind up the Yatra. However, after High Court observation, the party has discussed with its legal team. Party legal team has suggested winding up the Yatra due to a surge in Covid cases in Bengaluru.