Baba Ramdev gets conditional permission for Yoga Shibir

Gujarat high court on Friday granted permission to Baba Ramdev to organise Yoga Shibir at Vadodara and Ahmedabad on strict condition that it will not be a political event and he will file a letter of assurance to the district administration for the same.

Police reports said initially district administrations had denied permission to Bharat Swabhiman (Nyas) to hold shibir at Vadodara and Ahmedabad on April 26-27 respectively where Baba Ramdev, a staunch Modi supporter, would be present. It was argued that Ramdev could use this platform t o campaign for BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. However, the court granted permission to organise the rally on the condition that neither politicians nor member of political parties would be allowed in the shibir.

Division bench headed by Justice MR Shah also directed Baba Ramdev to give personal assurance before the respective police commissioners about the Yoga Shibir not be used as platform to campaign for any party. “Permission has been granted on further condition that, said assurance submitted in court shall be affirmed and filed by Baba Ramdev and the original copy of the same be given to the concerned Commissioner of Police and the copies of the same shall also be given to the concerned District Election Officer,” court said in its order.

“That whole programme shall be strictly restricted to Yoga-related activities only. That no direct or indirect statements which directly or indirectly refer to any political parties or candidates and are directly or indirectly beneficial or harmful for or to any political party shall be made. In this programme, no one shall be permitted to carry any campaigning material of any political party or candidate or   identify   himself   in   light   of   his   political   affiliation. That   it   shall   be   responsibility   of   the   organizers   as   well   as preceptors to observe the Model Code of Conduct in its true letter and spirit,” the high court said.