The Andhra Pradesh high court on Monday permitted the VHP to hold a scheduled meeting in Anantapur, overturning a decision by the cops to withdraw permission for the same.

The police had even taken VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia into preventive custody while he was on his way to Anantapur to participate in the meeting, scheduled for Monday evening.

Pronouncing the orders on the VHP's writ petition challenging the decision to withdraw permission for the public meeting, Justice C Y Somayajulu directed the district collector and the superintendent of police to make the necessary security arrangements for the meeting, to be held between 1700 and 2000 hours.

The police was also asked to provide security to Togadia.

The VHP has proposed to hold public meetings, touted as 'Hindu Garjana' (roar of Hindus), in Anantapur, Cuddapah and Kurnool towns in the Rayalaseema region on March 17, 18 and 19, respectively.

The district administration had initially given permission for the meeting, but later withdrew the same citing school examinations and the law and order situation in the state.