Bengaluru: The detention of anti-SIR protesters near KR Circle and the alleged manhandling of photojournalists have renewed questions about restrictions on demonstrations in Bengaluru. Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge told TOI in an interview that the govt will evaluate whether protests can be held at designated venues beyond Freedom Park, but insists that the decision must account for competing public interests.Excerpts:■ Will govt consider changing the 2021 order or instruct the commissioner to use discretion under the same order to allow protests at other places?We’ll figure it out, because affidavits have been filed by several other people. It’s not just govt that had filed the affidavit. Until I review the entire order, we will not be in a position to do that. Supreme Court and the high court have made observations on this earlier, and I have to examine the existing order. I was in Delhi and will do that now.■ Would decentralising protest venues be a better option?Ultimately, decentralising designated protest spots can also be evaluated. We have to defend the right to protest and the rights of others too. If you want to burn an effigy of the Karnataka home minister, we are OK with that. But you have to plan it and inform us so that we can protect everyone. For instance, if you suddenly burn an effigy using petrol and someone else gets injured, who will you blame?Take the deputy commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi, which often gets blocked during protests. It is on the main road and is the only nerve centre connecting to Jayadeva and other institutes. Even turnaround routes become very difficult. Ultimately, the golden hour is important.■ What’s your response to the manhandling of photojournalists during Monday’s protest?That was bad, there’s no defence for that. I’ve been very clear about this. We have spoken to everyone, including protesters. My only request is that high-handedness cannot be the only way out — from either side. Restraint is essential.■ Has a formal report on Monday’s incident been submitted to you?No. But I have spoken to the officials concerned, including the circle inspectors. They had their version, while the protesters had theirs. Either way, restraint is the first thing that should be observed.Based on what has come to light, we will figure it out and see. It’s a delicate balance I have to maintain between the rights of all sections of society. While one has the right to protest, another person has the right to commute.
