Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar winner Pradeep Kokare was reportedly stopped by police from entering a Marathi sahitya sammelan venue for wearing a black shirt. Kokare, a senior editor, stated police gave no logical reason but suggested it was to prevent potential protests during the Chief Minister's speech. After a brief argument, he was allowed entry. Kokare expressed frustration, questioning why such restrictions weren't communicated and asserting the right to protest in a democracy.