Karnataka Prantha Raita Sangha (KPRS) on Thursday accused Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H. V. Darshan of taking away the democratic rights of farmers by not allowing to hold protests in front of Deputy Commissioner’s office at Praja Soudha in Padil.
Speaking at a meeting of farmers called by the Deputy Commissioner at Praja Soudha, K. Yadava Shetty, president, Dakshina Kannada unit of KPRS said that people and organisations are allowed to hold protests in the premises of Rajatadri, housing Udupi Deputy Commissioner’s office in Udupi. But the same is denied in Mangaluru.
By denying permission to hold protests in Padil, Mr. Darshan is curbing the democratic rights of people, he alleged.
Mr. Shetty alleged that the Deputy Commissioner is also not receiving many phone calls of people. “The Deputy Commissioner has no courtesy to receive the phone calls of people,” he alleged.
Responding to the allegations, Mr. Darshan said that given his daily work schedule, it is impossible for him to receive all calls and return all missed calls. “While I am holding meeting with you (farmers) now I received 12 phone calls,” the Deputy Commissioner told Mr. Shetty, explaining the circumstances under which he will not be able to receive and return all phone calls.
The Deputy Commissioner said that he would have to attend at least 30 visitors a day, which makes him unable to attend all phone calls.
Mr. Darshan said that amid his work schedule, he makes it a point to return some missed calls .
Referring to not allowing protests at Praja Soudha, the Deputy Commissioner said that the Soudha housed not only his office, but many other government offices. Holding day long protests in the premises affects work at offices.
Mr. Darshan said that he can receive petitions or memoranda by people at his office.
He said that he can designate a place for holding protests in the city.
Published – February 19, 2026 07:41 pm IST
