Bengaluru, Apr 17 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the state government for allowing a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act even as its legality is being examined by the Supreme Court.

Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that the government ought not to have granted permission for such a demonstration, given the matter is sub judice before the apex court.

"The state shall bear in mind that the matter is seized by the Top Court on the amendment to the Waqf Act and the protest of this kind should not be permitted," the Court said.

It directed the state authorities to ensure that public roads are not obstructed during such events and that any protests are held strictly in designated areas and only with prior approval.

"The protest is said to be held on the amendment to the Waqf Act and the matter is seized by the Apex Court. In light of this, only if the state has granted permission in accordance with law, such protest can take place but not at any point in time by blocking the roads and the protests shall be held where the permission is granted. If there is no permission, there is no protest," the Order stated.

Justice Nagaprasanna made the observations while hearing a petition filed by Mangaluru Resident Rajesh A, who challenged a directive issued by the city’s Police Commissioner instructing private buses and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses not to operate along a stretch of National Highway 73 between 12 noon and 9 PM on Friday.

The petitioner contended that the advisory was issued due to a proposed protest in the region against the Waqf Amendment Act.

The state government submitted before the Bench that the initial communication had been revised and that traffic movement would remain largely unaffected. However, authorities had advised heavy and medium goods vehicles to take alternative routes as a precautionary measure.

The matter will be next heard on April 23. The plea was filed through advocates Hemanth R Rao and Leelesh Krishna.

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