Police denial of permission draws flak

KOCHI: The police decision to deny permission to the 'Kiss of Love' event at Marine Drive on Sunday has come in for widespread criticism.
Several citizens told ToI that the denial of permission was an attempt to defeat a democratic process. "They are going to hold a peaceful, democratic and open campaign, which is permissible under law. Now that the police have denied permission, it has to be read as both the police and the ambassadors of moral policing are hand in glove.It is a shameful act on the part of police," said K Nandini, an advocate practising in the high court.
Legal expert Kaleeswaram Raj said the police could never pre-judge things. "Permission cannot be denied unless they apprehend something closer to obscenity or offence. Article 19 of the Constitution states that protest is an important part of any society, allowing people to express their feelings and challenge injustice," he said.
A retired IPS officer, who once held a senior post, said on condition of anonymity that police should act by law and not by apprehensions. "Protest is the soul of democracy. Police officers should not play moral policing," he said.
Senior advocate S Rajeev, however, supported the police decision, saying it was their authority to sanction a programme or not. "If people start requesting sanction to perform unhealthy and undemocratic protests, how can they sanction permission," he asked.
The campaign, meanwhile, received support from various quarters. The Youth Congress, the SFI, the BJP and other political organisations have announced that they would not block the event. The Facebook page of 'Kiss of Love' is also flooded with supportive comments.
Meanwhile, Ernakulam city police commissioner K G James said the permission was denied on law and order grounds. "The organisers said they would hold a few placards carrying messages against moral policing. However, media reports said people are both in favour and against the event. We will keep a close watch," he said.
There were a few who felt the campaign has made its impact and there was no need for further action. "I believe Kiss of Love has won the battle without a lip-lock. It has evoked tremendous enthusiasm among the public, especially the youth. I will advise its promoters to desist from any act that could divert attention from the basic issue of equality," social activist B R P Bhaskar said.
The day also witnessed protests against the campaign. The KSU Ernakulam district committee held a programme against it at Gandhi Square on Friday.