Former IAS Officer Challenges Delhi HC Over CAPF Deployment During Protests

A retired Indian Administrative Service officer has approached the Delhi High Court with a public interest petition challenging what he terms 'large-scale' deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) during public demonstrations in the capital.

The petition seeks directions to authorities to make public the requisition letters filed by the Delhi Police for CAPF deployment, as well as the sanction and extension orders issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for such mobilizations.

The petitioner argues that the deployment of paramilitary forces during protests raises questions about proportionality and adherence to constitutional safeguards. The plea emphasizes the need for transparency in the decision-making process that authorizes such security measures during demonstrations.

The petition reflects growing concerns about the scale and frequency of CAPF deployment during public assemblies in Delhi. Questions have been raised by civil society groups about whether such deployments are consistent with constitutional protections for the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

The High Court's consideration of the petition comes amid ongoing debates about balancing public order with constitutional rights to protest in urban centers.