The Jan Suraj Party leader, Prashant Kishor, along with approximately 150 of his supporters, staged a protest near the Gandhi statue at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, raising five key demands. However, the protest has drawn criticism from the district administration for violating established guidelines and court directives.

* प्राप्त सूचनानुसार जन सुराज पार्टी के श्री प्रशांत किशोर द्वारा अपने लगभग 150 कार्यकर्ताओं के साथ गांधी मैदान, पटना स्थित गांधी मूर्ति के समीप 5-सूत्री मांगों को लेकर धरना दिया जा रहा है।

* ज़िला प्रशासन पटना द्वारा माननीय पटना उच्च न्यायालय के आदेशानुसार धरना-प्रदर्शन के लिए…

— District Administration Patna (@dm_patna) January 2, 2025

Violation of Designated Protest Sites

The Patna District Administration cited the Patna High Court’s order, which designates Gardanibagh as the official site for all protests and demonstrations. For the past seven years, political parties and groups have adhered to this rule, conducting their activities only at the specified location. Prashant Kishor’s decision to protest at Gandhi Maidan without prior permission is deemed illegal and contrary to this established practice.

Legal Action Initiated Against Prashant Kishor

In response to the unauthorized protest, the district administration has lodged an FIR against Prashant Kishor and issued a formal notice. Authorities have also directed the relocation of the demonstration to Gardanibagh, the designated protest site. Failure to comply will result in further legal action.

Administration's Stand on Law and Order

The administration emphasized that maintaining law and order and upholding the court's directives are paramount. A senior official stated, “Protests and demonstrations are a vital part of democracy, but they must be conducted within the framework of the law. Unauthorized gatherings at restricted sites disrupt public order and set a negative precedent.”

Prashant Kishor and his supporters have raised five pressing demands, the specifics of which remain undisclosed. The protest highlights issues they deem critical, though the location of the protest has overshadowed their agenda.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that all protests adhere to lawful practices, safeguarding the democratic fabric while respecting public order.