Karnataka High Court directs authorities to protect Hubballi’s Mayuri estate residents from impacts of sugarcane farmers’ protest

The Karnataka High Court on Saturday (October 17) directed the Dharwad district authorities to take appropriate steps to see that the life and property of the residents of the Mayuri Estate, Keshwapur, Hubballi, do not face any threat on account of the apprehended protests by organisations of farmers demanding a higher price for sugarcane.

A division bench of Justices Anu Sivaraman and K.S. Bharath Kumar issued the directions while disposing of a writ petition filed by Sangamnath Hanji and other residents seeking directions to the district authorities. 

The petitioners contended that protests, rallies, and dharnas were being conducted within their residential locality, denying them their rights under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21. They sought a mandamus directing authorities to consider their representations and to ensure that such agitations are held only at designated places, in line with high court’s directions issued in this regard way back in 2002 and a prior court order dated August 1, 2022.

During the hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) assured the Bench of appropriate steps to see that the protests are regulated.

Recording the AAG’s assurance, the Bench disposed of the petition asking the authorities to take steps to protect the rights of the residents of the locality.