Mumbai:
The Maharashtra state sports department has denied permission to Team Anna to protest in sections of Azad Maidan. The Mumbai Police wanted Team Anna to take permission for a section of Azad Maidan, which is controlled by the state sports department, to be made available. However, that has been denied, putting question marks over the venue of the protest.
Mumbai Police expects an average turnout of 30,000 people for Anna. The police has warned the Home Ministry that without this additional space in Azad Maidan, the crowds will spill onto the roads, causing a complete shut-down of South Mumbai on work days. The police has also pointed out that given Azad Maidan's proximity to important offices and buildings like the municipal corporation, it's important that roads be keep free of traffic jams and large groups of people.
Team Anna has taken the Maharashtra government to court for charging the activists commercial rates - 3.77 lakhs a day - to rent the MMRDA Ground. The activists said that even if donations made the rental affordable, they will not opt for this "five-star fast."