Rahul Gandhi's Pune event gets police nod with 30 conditions, objectionable banners barred

Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhis August 22 Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Pune subject to 30 conditions including a ban on objectionable banners and images and directions to ensure that no religious sentiments are hurt during the programmeThe Chhatron Ki Goonj voice of students event is being organised specifically for female students and is expected to focus on issues such as education safety equality competitive examinations and career opportunitiesThe programme is scheduled to be held from 430 pm to 930 pm at the SSPMS College ground near RTO Chowk in Pune According to the permission order issued on Wednesday between 8000 and 10000 people are expected to attend the eventOrganisers made responsible for maintaining law and orderAmong the 30 conditions imposed by the police organisers have been directed not to display any objectionable images pictures or banners at the venue They have also been made responsible for preventing any incident that could lead to a lawandorder situationNo ones religious sentiments should be hurt during the programme and responsibility for ensuring this will be on the organisers the permission order statedMaharashtra Congress vice president Mohan Joshi said the police had granted permission for the programme and that the organisers would comply with all the conditions imposed by the authoritiesThere are a total of 30 conditions set by the police while granting the permission he saidSecurity crowd management arrangements requiredThe police have directed organisers to make adequate arrangements for the large gathering expected at the venue These include separate arrangements for men and women sufficient entry and exit gates drinking water toilets firesafety equipment and parking facilitiesOrganisers have also been asked to deploy private security personnel including women guards and make extensive use of volunteers particularly womenCCTV cameras covering the entire venue are required to remain operational during both the day and night The arrangements are intended to help organisers and authorities manage the crowd and respond to any security or emergency situation during the eventNoise limits and drone use among restrictionsThe permission order also requires organisers to comply with Supreme Court directions on permissible noise levels along with provisions of the Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules 2000 and the Environment Protection Act 1986The police have prohibited the use of drones for photography at the venue Organisers have also been directed to ensure that emergency access remains available for police medical and fire services throughout the programmeThe permission is subject to a noobjection certificate from the traffic department Police said the permission could be cancelled at any time if any illegal activity affecting law and order is detectedThey also said the permission would be cancelled immediately if a dispute arises over the venueProhibitory orders in Pune ahead of eventThe permission for Gandhis programme comes against the backdrop of prohibitory orders imposed across Pune city for 14 days from Tuesday until August 31The restrictions prohibit public assemblies and the burning of effigies Police have cited security arrangements for upcoming festivals and protests as reasons for imposing the restrictions under the Maharashtra Police ActHowever Congress leader Pawan Khera has claimed that the order was issued with the intention of disrupting Gandhis programme Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok SabhaStudent outreach campaign began in RajasthanGandhi launched the Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign from Kota a major coaching hub in Rajasthan on June 17 to highlight issues concerning the education sector and problems faced by studentsHe addressed the second and third segments of the outreach programme in Dehradun and Prayagraj on July 17 and August 8 respectivelyWith inputs from PTI