Section 144 is a brand in itself. It says something about the situation in an area or a geography. It says that things are not normal. It says take care. It says watch out.
These are signals that call for caution, which is important for sure, but is also a point of worry for some.
When it comes to Brand Bengaluru, our city has gone through troubled times of late. It started with the fiery PF agitation that had parts of the city reeling. Then came the turmoil with the BBMP demolition drive that saw tension in some areas, followed by the Cauvery water issue, which led to violence. And now there’s a murder. Each time there has been limited use of section 144 in the city. And whenever it has been used, it has signalled that things are not fine. And that is read by outsiders, investors, corporate outfits and tourists alike with some degree of fear and worry. This affects Bengaluru’s image for sure, but more among outsiders than those living in the city.
I do, however, believe that a prohibitory order is important. The police is the best to decide on this as I am sure it uses intelligence outputs to take a call. Therefore, to question the decision to impose a prohibitory order may not be wise as the police and the government know best when to opt for it.
(The writer is a Brand Consultant and Founder, Harish Bijoor Consults inc.)
