20 August,2026 10:16 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. File Pic
Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 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 programme.
The '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 opportunities.
The programme is scheduled to be held from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm at the SSPMS College ground near RTO Chowk in Pune. According to the permission order issued on Wednesday, between 8,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend the event.
Among 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 law-and-order situation.
"No one's religious sentiments should be hurt during the programme and responsibility for ensuring this will be on the organisers," the permission order stated.
Maharashtra 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 authorities.
"There are a total of 30 conditions set by the police while granting the permission," he said.
The 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, fire-safety equipment and parking facilities.
Organisers have also been asked to deploy private security personnel, including women guards, and make extensive use of volunteers, particularly women.
CCTV 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 event.
The 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, 1986.
The 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 programme.
The permission is subject to a no-objection certificate from the traffic department. Police said the permission could be cancelled at any time if any illegal activity affecting law and order is detected.
They also said the permission would be cancelled immediately if a dispute arises over the venue.
The permission for Gandhi's programme comes against the backdrop of prohibitory orders imposed across Pune city for 14 days from Tuesday until August 31.
The 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 Act.
However, Congress leader Pawan Khera has claimed that the order was issued with the intention of disrupting Gandhi's programme. Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Gandhi 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 students.
He addressed the second and third segments of the outreach programme in Dehradun and Prayagraj on July 17 and August 8, respectively.
(With inputs from PTI)
