LiveFriday · 16 October 2026Vol. VIII · No. 289
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Bengaluru Police Order 2021 ‘unconstitutional’, must be revoked: Vinay Sreenivasa | Decode Karnataka

As visuals of police action from a protest against SIR and India’s Chief Election Commissioner near KR Circle in Bengaluru on October 12 went viral on social media, the criticism was swift and scathing.

Is the right to protest being systematically undermined in Bengaluru?

Published - October 16, 2026 05:34 pm IST

As visuals of police action from a protest against SIR and India’s Chief Election Commissioner near KR Circle in Bengaluru on October 12 went viral on social media, the criticism was swift and scathing. Angry citizens decried the hypocrisy of the Congress in stifling dissent at home while upholding democratic values elsewhere, amid comparisons with the earlier BJP regime.

What does the 2021 order around regulation of protests in the city actually say? Is the right to protest being systematically undermined in Bengaluru? Should a line be drawn between maintaining law and order and suppressing dissent? We discuss.

Reporting: Nalme Nachiyar

Bengaluru Police Order 2021 ‘unconstitutional’, must be revoked: Vinay Sreenivasa | Decode Karnataka

Video: Ravichandran N, Allen Egenuse J

Published - October 16, 2026 05:34 pm IST

Bengaluru Police Order 2021 ‘unconstitutional’, must be revoked: Vinay Sreenivasa | Decode Karnataka

Actor Imran Khan to move Bombay High Court against notice asking him to leave India

Tesla unveils new Roadster; production to begin in 2028

Around 100 reportedly detained at AISF march; Dipke calls for fresh protest

Sudha Yadav sworn in as the new Karnataka Governor

Tulu will have to evolve as an administrative language: Purushottam Bilimale | Decode Karnataka

Why are close to 1.08 crore voters staring at mass exclusion? | Decode Karnataka

Can a dynamic formula for distress years ease Cauvery conflict? | Decode Karnataka

SIR in Karnataka: Will deadline extension ease burden on voters and BLOs? | Decode Karnataka

Can Karnataka balance economic growth and farmers’ rights? | Decode Karnataka

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