In view of the law and order situation after the Supreme Court pronounces the verdict in the Ayodhya case on Saturday, section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) — which prohibits assembly of more than four people in an area — has been imposed in Bengaluru. The prohibitory order will be in place from 6 am to midnight on Saturday.
Liquor sales in the city has also been banned from 6 am to midnight, which means, all bars and liquor shops will remain closed on Saturday.
The Karnataka Education Minister has also confirmed holiday for all schools and colleges in the state as the Supreme Court will deliver its landmark verdict on the Ayodhya dispute.
"In view of the sensitive judgment that will be passed, Bengaluru police is looking to ensure that there is no law and order issue in the city,” Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao announced in a press conference held late on Friday night.
As part of the elaborate security arrangements, 8,000 police personnel, 50 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons, one Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) company, 1,200 Home Guards, and 250 civil defence personnel will be deployed across the city.
Celebratory march or protests after court judgment will not be allowed. Social media will also be closely monitored. “We appeal to the people to use social media sensibly and refrain from posting or forwarding offensive, misleading, and instigating posts,” the Commissioner is quoted as saying in The Hindu.
“Strict strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules. Jurisdictional deputy commissioners and higher officials will monitor the security arrangements,” he added.
Commissioner Bhaskar Rao had earlier announced that bars and liquor stores will remain shut on Sunday due to Eid Milad celebrations. However, he clarified on his Twitter page that there will be no prohibitory orders for Sunday and that Eid Milad (commemorate the birth of the prophet Muhammad) will be observed with the usual grandeur on the day.
Similar security measures have also been imposed in other parts of the state. All bars and restaurants in Mysuru and Dakshina Kannada districts will remain closed.
All Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been given the powers to impose Section 144 in their jurisdictional area. No processions or public gatherings will be allowed.
Mandya Deputy Commissioner MV Venkatesh has issued prohibitory order in the district. Sale of liquor is also banned on Saturday and Sunday.
Supreme Court will pronounce the verdict in the 20-year-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case on Saturday, around 10.30 am. A five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, will deliver its verdict on a dispute over the ownership of 2.77-acre of land in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
For the five main developments in the week leading up to the verdict, read: