THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2024
MARCOS GONSALVES
MARGAO: Anxiety and confusion have gripped tiatr organisers and the wedding planners over the denial of permission to organise due to the election code of conduct. Authorities, however, have clarified that the model code of conduct does not mention anything about not granting permission for events.
Since the last few days, tiatr directors, and tiatr organisers, have been worried in the North district, after the authorities concerned told them that permission to stage tiatrs from May 5-7 would not be granted given the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Organisers were in a dilemma as an advance payment for tiatrs to be staged on Church and Chapel feasts was already made.
But, the organisers need to only inform the authorities about the events, mostly about tiatr shows, cultural programmes or wedding receptions, besides taking sound-related permission.
Wedding planners have faced a similar pushback from the authorities.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Srinet Kothwale, Additional Collector, South Goa, clarified that authorities cannot deny the permissions due to election code of conduct in organising cultural events or wedding receptions unless there is a violation of time and sound restrictions as per the set guidelines. “There is nothing mentioned about the denial of permission in the model code of conduct of the elections. The organisers only need to intimate the authorities about the event, besides taking sound permission,” Kothawale said.
He claimed that this issue was brought to their notice, and after deliberations, the matter was resolved.
Sources have also informed that the authorities are citing the reasons of the code of conduct for denying the permissions and hence there is a fear among the tiatr fraternity, besides those planned wedding receptions on the issue.
“Many, especially the tiatr directors, are in a confused state of mind. This being the wedding and tiatr season, the organisers will suffer immense losses if they are not permitted to stage the shows,” said Custodio Fernandes from Salcete.
But is there a hidden reason for this denial? “The permissions are granted but up to 10 pm. They (tiatrists) have to follow time restrictions. They can organise tiatr, but it should not have songs or dialogues casting aspersions on politicians as it may violate the model code of conduct in force", said, Bardez Deputy Collector, Uday Prabhudesai.
This was echoed by his Tiswadi counterpart. Deputy Collector Bhagwant ‘Pratik’ Karmali. He said, “The permission is given to hold tiatrs up to 10 pm. We provide sound permission. As per the time restrictions, they have to stop the show. Songs with political colours or displays of election-related matters are not allowed. If there is a violation, anyone can complain to the flying squad.”
Rodney Mascarenhas, another resident of Salcete, wondered how can permission be denied or revoked due to the election code of conduct when an event such as a wedding reception has been planned much before the declaration of the elections. “Authorities just can't revoke or deny the permissions and it will be an injustice if they do so,” he exclaimed.
