The government has tabled the Public Order Amendment Bill in parliament which proposes to remove the requirement for a permit when organizing or convening a meeting or procession in a public place.
At the moment, under the Public Order Act 1969, any person who wishes to organize or convene a meeting or procession in a public place must apply for a permit from the relevant Divisional Police Commander.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says although there will no longer be any requirement for a permit for a meeting in a public place, a permit will still be required for a meeting that is organized or convened in a public park or on a public road.
Sayed-Khaiyum says the restriction to having permits for meetings only in public parks and public roads ensures that the safety, security and interests of others who use the parks and roads, are not affected.
He also says that police can still stop a meeting if inciteful comments are made.
Debate on the bill will take place tomorrow.
