No ban on Maratha Tigers': Karnataka High Court

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking ban on the release of Marathi feature film – Maratha Tigers. The court passed the order while refusing to interfere with its release. Bheemshankar
Patil, president of Karnataka Nava Nirmana Sene had filed a PIL alleging that the film, which focuses on the sensitive issue of border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, could disrupt peace between the two states, especially in Belagavi and surrounding border towns.

The advocate for the petitioners submitted that the film could result in a law and order problem. However the court observed that it is duty of the state government to maintain law and order, and it shall not interfere with the release of the film.

While hearing the PIL the court observed that if Maratha Tigers was produced in Maharashtra, then you (petitioner) produce a film Karnataka Tigers, or  inform the people to not to watch Maratha Tigers.

Togadia case
The High Court on Wednesday directed Praveen Bhai Togadia of Vishwa Hindu Parishad to approach appropriate authority seeking permission to visit Sringeri by road, while abiding by the conditions that he will not make any public speeches or address the media.

He had approached the court challenging the order passed by the Mangaluru police banning his entry into Mangaluru City between January 18 and 24. He had submitted an affidavit before the court to visit Sringeri by road on a religious visit. In the affidavit he said that he would not make any public speeches or attend any public gathering, will not address the media or make any inflammatory speeches through audio or video.

He sought permission from the court to make the visit and be provided Z category security during the period. However, the state government contended that on the way to Sringeri, Togadia will have to pass by Chikkamagaluru, a sensitive area.

The state government said that there were 19 cases criminal cases filed against Togadia for inflammatory statements causing communal disharmony. The advocate appearing for Togadia argued that there has been no chargesheet filed in any of the 19 cases and banning him from entering the city would be against
fundamental right.