Bengaluru Bleeding

We are citizens of Bengaluru city and would like some clarifications on the current clamp down on certain aspects of cultural life in this city.

We are aware that the police are implementing an existing law under which regulations have been passed; we would however like to understand the basis on which these regulations have been framed and subsequently passed.

As citizens we are as concerned as the authorities are on matters of law and order and the safety and security of citizens. We appreciate efforts made by the authorities to keep our city safe. However we feel that the method used to maintain law and order in the city undermines the intelligence and maturity of its citizens to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

In addition we feel that the development of laws and regulations has not kept pace with the development of the city and its needs. As a result of this disconnect we feel neglected as a group that has contributed to the progress and growth of Bengaluru and put our city on the world map. It would appear that the rules that are sought to be imposed upon today’s citizens of Bengaluru are rooted in a past and do not understand the manner in which this city has evolved.

For us, culture does not only mean traditional and recognized forms of performing arts. It must recognize and embrace new and emerging forms of talent and creative expression that reflect the Bengaluru of today – a city that is multi cultural, cosmopolitan and internationally acclaimed in a way that is light years beyond the recent past.

Traditionally, this city has promoted artists and culture without any boundaries, including groups across languages and communities. Many of these artists have received encouragement from popular institutions, organizations and places of public entertainment that have been or have become a nursery of talent.

For artistes, the denial of spaces to perform for an appreciative audience, in a conducive atmosphere, deprives them their basic right to livelihood and professional growth. As a result of the current clamp-down, their talent now has no place to grow or express itself and will soon need to migrate to other cities.

As concerned citizens, without questioning the law itself and accepting the need for the law, we would like to understand from you:

1. The basis on which the authorities have defined and categorized places of public entertainment as dance bars/discotheques/bars etc;
2. How various activities, for example dancing, singing, live music, etc have been categorized without distinction and without regard to the differences that exist between places that provide these forms of entertainment and platforms for performance and creative expression;
3. The connection between the consumption of alcohol in a place of public entertainment and singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument as a form of recreation in those spaces;
4. Questions and doubts that the authorities may have had in their efforts to regulate places of public entertainment;

With this appeal we also submit a list of signatures of people who love this city and also identify with our effort. To better understand the current situation we would like to open up a channel of communication with our government to participate and partner in the growth of our Bengaluru.

After you have added your name to this petition an e-mail will be sent to the given address to confirm your signature. Please make sure that your e-mail address is correct or you will not receive this e-mail and your name will not be counted.

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Last 10 of 565 signatories

Cameron Higgins: "Let the music play! Bangalore does not deserve such an anachronistic government holding onto the past and denying the joys of the many to sate the fundamentalist dogma of a few. Wake up! We are looking to the future!"

Tushar Chauhan
sana ashraf
Sharukh Billimoria
shaveer

Stefan Reith: "I still hope this ban is just a bad joke..."

suryanarayanamurthy.h.v: "r v walking backwards in time ,wat next r v supposed 2 sit on trees?"

Yogeeshachar B K
Nisha

Vinu: "The more you supress things, the more people want to do it. lets be mature in our outlook towards life. "