The Mysuru City police have enforced prohibitory orders in a 200-metre radius surrounding the statue of Mahishasura atop Chamundi Hills. These restrictions, issued by City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, remain in effect from the midnight of October 9 until 6 a.m. on October 11.
The measure aims to prevent the Mahisha Mandalotsava Organising Committee from proceeding with their plans to garland the statue on October 10. The group, led by Mahisha Dasara Celebration Committee president Purushotham, intended to honour Mahishasura as a benevolent ruler, an event scheduled just one day before the start of the Dasara festival. The festival attracts a significant number of devotees to the hill station, and officials expressed concerns regarding public safety during this busy period.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, was prompted by intelligence reports suggesting that various organisations were planning protests against the celebration. Authorities stated that the potential for conflict between supporters and opponents of the event posed a risk to the maintenance of law and order. Consequently, gatherings, processions, and public rallies are strictly prohibited within the specified zone.
Commissioner Latkar warned that any attempt to hold unauthorized meetings or protests would result in the gathering being classified as an unlawful assembly. Legal action will be initiated against any individuals or organizations found to be in violation of these prohibitory orders. Beyond the activities at Chamundi Hills, the organizing committee had also planned a program at the Town Hall to garland a statue of B.R. Ambedkar, which was intended to follow the event at the hill.
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