BENGALURU: A protest organised in Bengaluru condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sparked a major political and legal controversy in Karnataka. The demonstration has now landed Congress MLA NA Harris in trouble after a complaint was filed accusing him of participating in a protest that allegedly violated court guidelines regarding public gatherings in the city.
The protest was organised by members of the Shia Muslim community and several organisations to express their anger over the reported killing of Khamenei in Tehran during a joint airstrike allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States. The incident has triggered outrage among sections of the Muslim community across the world, with protests being held in multiple countries. In India, too, demonstrations were reported in several places, including parts of Karnataka.
In Bengaluru, a large number of protesters reportedly gathered in areas such as Richmond Town and staged a march condemning the killing. However, the protest has come under scrutiny because it was allegedly held without prior permission from authorities and outside the officially designated protest venue.
As per directives issued by the Karnataka High Court, public protests and demonstrations in Bengaluru must be conducted only at Freedom Park. The restriction was imposed to prevent traffic disruption and ensure public order in the city. Holding rallies or protest marches in other areas without permission is considered a violation of the court’s order.
Despite these restrictions, the protest march reportedly took place in the jurisdiction of the Ashok Nagar Police Station. The police have since informed the High Court about the incident and have begun legal proceedings against those involved.
The controversy escalated after Hindu organisation activist Tejas Gowda filed a complaint against MLA Harris, demanding strict action against him for allegedly participating in the protest. The complaint was submitted to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and the Director General and Inspector General of Police. Gowda has accused Harris of violating the High Court’s directive by participating in a demonstration held outside Freedom Park.
According to police sources, cases have been registered against several individuals who allegedly participated in the protest march without prior permission. Authorities are now examining whether any public representatives, including Harris, were directly involved in organising or leading the demonstration.
Reacting to the issue, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that police have initiated action against those who organised the protest. Speaking to reporters, he said a section of the minority community considers Khamenei as their religious leader, and therefore it was natural for them to express grief over his death.
“At the same time, protests must take place within the framework of the law. They had not sought permission for the procession, and therefore the police have registered cases,” Parameshwara said. He also emphasised that the state government would strictly follow the High Court’s directions and ensure that such demonstrations do not take place outside the designated protest area in the future.
Meanwhile, protests condemning Khamenei’s killing have been reported from other parts of Karnataka as well. Demonstrations were held in Alipur in Chikkaballapur district and in different parts of Bengaluru, where protesters raised slogans against the United States and Israel and expressed solidarity with Iran.
