Team Anna denied permission to hold fast at Jantar Mantar

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has refused permission for Team Anna to hold an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar from July 25, saying the protest timing coincides with the Monsoon Session of Parliament when other outfits will also have to be accommodated at the spot.

Team Anna had announced the indefinite protest against the UPA government on the issue of corruption and its alleged failure to enact a strong Lokpal as well as not setting up a Special Investigation Team to probe charges against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his 14 Cabinet colleagues.

In a letter to Team Anna, Delhi Police said a large number of organisations hold protests at Jantar Mantar throughout the year.

"But, during the proposed period of fast, the Monsoon Session of Parliament will be on, and Jantar Mantar will see a huge rush of various organisations coming to hold dharna or demonstrations who all will have to be accommodated there.

"This place has a limited capacity to hold people, and keeping in mind equitable distribution of space for everyone, each organisation will be permitted to bring only a very limited number of supporters. A gathering larger than the capacity is vulnerable to stampede and other security related issues which will come up," it said.

The letter also noted that special security arrangements will be required and these arrangements cause undue strain on the limited capacity of Jantar Mantar which is a regular road and cannot be blocked for a long duration.

"Keeping in view the position explained above, the permission to hold a fast at Jantar Mantar continuously from 25.07.2012 to 08.08.2012 cannot be acceded to," the letter said, adding Team Anna can contact police for a mutually acceptable venue.