'Rahul's padyatra violation of prohibitory orders'

The Aligarh district administration on Wednesday said that if Rahul Gandhi takes out a 'kisan padyatra' in the district it would be a clear violation of prohibitory orders in force for the past 20 days in the area. "Section 144 CrPC is in force all over the district since June 12 and in this background Rahul Gandhi's padyatra will be a clear violation," Senior Superintendent of Police Satyendra Vir Singh said.

The Congress party has secured permission for its Kisan Mahapanchayat scheduled in Aligarh for July 9. They have, however, not sought any permission for the kisan padyatra which is currently on in certain other districts, he said.

Singh said that the district authorities have communicated to the Special Protection Group that Rahul Gandhi's padyatra would, therefore, be considered as a violation of section 144 CrPC. Singh, however, clarified that if there is no apprehension of law and order problem, the authorities might choose not to prevent Gandhi's entry into the district. "All our options are open in this matter and we are monitoring the situation carefully," he said.

Meanwhile, All India Congress Committee Secretary Vivek Bansal held a meeting with the district magistrate and other senior officials on Wednesday afternoon and apprised them of the Congress party's position in this matter.

"The padyatra is perfectly peaceful and we have no intention, whatsoever, of indulging in any activity which could be construed as a violation of the law," he said.

The district authorities have given indication that they would not prevent Rahul's entry provided there is no apprehension of breach of peace, he added.