Kiss of Love: Obscene, say Karnataka police; ban campaign in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: With opposition to the controversial Kiss of Love campaign growing and the government too treading cautiously, the city police on Tuesday announced that they cannot give permission to the campaign as the organisers have not given them full details.

City Police Commissioner M.N. Reddi said, "Keeping in mind the responsibility on our shoulders, we have decided to deny permission to the event as per the Karnataka Police Act. Our assessment is that the event could lead to law and order problems. Also, public display of affection is obscene behaviour in public place and we can take up cases under Section 294 of the IPC against it."

He said, “The applicant, Rachita Taneja, has failed to provide complete details of the protest. She has also declined to own responsibility for any eventuality during the protest. After carefully examining the clarification given by the organiser as well as the background of the controversial campaign held nationally, in cities like Delhi and Kochi, we have denied permission to the organiser to hold such an event."

The Kissfest against moral policing was proposed to be held in front of Town Hall on Sunday.

Won’t let it fizzle out: Organisers
Despite the denial of permission, one of the volunteers of Kiss of Love campaign told Deccan Chronicle, “We are determined to not let the event fizzle out. We are yet to come out with a statement on how the campaign will be held in the city.”

"Since the news of city police denying permission to ‘Kiss of Love’ came out, my cell phone has not stopped ringing. Over 100 supporters from different organisations have congratulated me over our victory. With this, Shri Ram Sena has grown stronger and put out a clear message that no one can dare to insult our culture, morals and beliefs," says Pramod Muthalik.