Is there ban on celebrating Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary, asks Bombay High Court

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday asked Maharashtra government if there was any ban in celebrating the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, ruler of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, popularly known as Sher-e-Mysore.

A general and administrator, Tipu Sultan (December 1, 1751 – May 4, 1799) fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars against the Britishers.

The petitioner in the case is Faiyaz Shaikh, the Pune President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), who wanted to celebrate the birth anniversary on 26 November, the Constitution Day along with the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (November 11, 1888 – February 22, 1958).

The Pune Rural Police refused to grant them permission to celebrate Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary in Baramati.

A division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Shivkumar Dige is hearing the petition.

“Is there a ban to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan?” the court asked.

“There is no reason why they can’t be allowed to take out the procession for this. You can impose restrictions. And in case of incidents, you can always register the offences. Law and order is your prerogative,” the bench added.

Appearing via video-conference, Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh, informed that incidents during last year’s Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebration had resulted in the registration of offences.

However, he said permission was granted on November 26 for Constitution Day and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s commemoration.

Advocate Tapan Thatte and Advocate Vivek Arote argued against the rally’s denial on behalf of the petitioner.

Additional Public Prosecutor Kranti Hirwale represented the police.

The court said the police can decide the route and if there was any use of derogatory language or any law-and-order problem, then necessary action could be taken as per law.

"There is no reason why they cannot be allowed to take out the rally. Law and order cannot be a ground to deny permission," the bench said.