Prohibitory orders put question mark on Hazare's fast

There was big question mark Sunday over social reformer Anna Hazare's proposed one-day fast at Jantar Mantar here June 8 to protest against the crackdown on yoga guru Ramdev, as Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi and Central Delhi police districts till June 11.

There was big question mark Sunday over social reformer Anna Hazare's proposed one-day fast at Jantar Mantar here June 8 to protest against the crackdown on yoga guru Ramdev, as Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi and Central Delhi police districts till June 11.

HT Image

The orders put curbs on the gathering of more than five people.

While Jantar Mantar falls in the New Delhi police district, Ramlila Ground, from where Ramdev and his supporters were evicted post-midnight Saturday, comes under the Central Delhi police district.

Delhi Police spokesman Rajan Bhagat denied that the imposition of prohibitory orders (under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code) had anything to do with Hazare's planned protest at Jantar Mantar June 8.

“Yes the districts are under section 144 but it does not mean that he (Hazare) will not be allowed to fast at Jantar Mantar. It depends on the merit of the application (seeking permision for June 8 fast). If his application is accepted he will be allowed to hold the protest,” Bhagat said.

"Please don't link it (Section 144) to Anna Hazare fast,” he said.

Earlier, coming out in support of Ramdev, Hazare said he and other civil society members in the anti-graft Lokpal Bill joint drafting committee will boycott the panel's meeting June 6. He also announced a one-day fast here June 8 to protest against the crackdown on Ramdev.