Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (Voice of Students) event in Pune, subject to 30 conditions, including a ban on banners, images, or other material deemed objectionable.
The event, scheduled for August 22 from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the SSPMS College ground, is aimed specifically at female students and will focus on issues such as education, safety, equality, competitive examinations, and career opportunities. An estimated 8,000–10,000 people are expected to attend.
Under the permission order, organisers have been instructed to ensure that no objectionable images, pictures, or banners are displayed and that no material is used that could hurt religious sentiments or trigger a law-and-order situation. The organisers will be held responsible for any untoward incident arising during the programme.
The police have also mandated comprehensive safety and logistical arrangements, including adequate security, separate facilities for men and women, sufficient entry and exit points, drinking water, toilets, fire-safety equipment, and parking facilities. Organisers must deploy private security personnel, including women guards, and make extensive use of volunteers, particularly women.
The conditions further require the installation and continuous operation of CCTV cameras throughout the event, while the use of drones for photography has been prohibited. Organisers have also been directed to comply with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Meanwhile, Pune city police have imposed 14-day prohibitory orders from Tuesday until August 31, restricting public assemblies and the burning of effigies. The restrictions come ahead of the festival season and the Congress event.
Maharashtra Congress vice-president Mohan Joshi confirmed that permission had been granted for the programme and said that the organisers would comply with all the conditions imposed by the police.
