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Bidari: Use law, not force |
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By: Imran Gowhar |
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Date:
2009-07-02 |
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Place: Bangalore |
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Bars and restaurants violating deadlines are not to be forcibly closed but videographed and prosecuted, says police chief
Police commissioner S M Bidari has instructed his staff not to use force to close down shops, but to book cases under appropriate laws.
"Under no circumstances are the police to use force to close down bars or restaurants. Instead, police officers above the rank of constable can book a case against such erring establishments for violating the rules.
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Good cop: Police commissioner SM Bidari denounces use of force on law violators File Pic | Wherever possible, such violation should be videographed for further records," Bidari said.
The police chief's instructions came following complaints that the police are trying to close down bars, restaurants, hotels and eateries before the stipulated time. As per existing rules, the closing time for bars, restaurants and discotheques is 11.30 pm, while eateries and hotels are allowed to stay open till 12 am.
Take legal route
Bidari also said that a considerable number of staff was being deployed to close bars and restaurants, which was unnecessary. From now on, the police are to strictly follow the legal route, booking outlets under provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act.
Instructions have been given to prosecute the licensees and managers of outlets that violate the rules. If any of the outlets are found repeating the offence, the excise commissioner can then cancel their licences, Bidari said.
The commissioner's comments are said to have been precipitated by a recent incident in Devarajeevanahalli, where the police arrested Akbar Shariff, a tea stall owner for staying open past midnight,. According to a local resident, many such outlets operate in and around the area with the "consent" of the police, and Shariff was booked only because he refused the police's demand for mamool. |
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