Fearing a possible law and order situation, the city police has restricted the entry of senior Dalit leaders to Siddharth College in Churchgate.
The Azad Maidan police on Sunday slapped notices against around 25 people from the warring groups that are claiming their hold in the management of the college, after the commissioner of police issued an order.
These mainly include Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale, Bharat Bahujan Mahasangh chief Prakash Ambedkar and Republican Sena chief Anandraj Ambedkar.
Commissioner Dr Satyapal Singh issued a public order under Section 39 of the Bombay Police Act, following which the Azad Maidan police slapped notices against Mr Athawale, the Ambedkars and other trustees, restricting their entry to Siddharth College and the Buddha Bhavan premises. Since it is a public order, around 50 copies of the same have been pasted in and around the college and Buddha Bhavan.
A commissioner of police generally issues such orders after anticipating problems of law and order at a particular place or region over a dispute.
“If Dalit leaders, trustees involved in the dispute or any of their supporters or party workers tries to enter the college premises they will be immediately detained by the police and will be charged accordingly,” said an IPS officer. The order is not for any specific period. It will last till any court’s order comes. The order will be renewed if the need arises, the officer added.