Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court to examine plea on Delhi protest restrictions
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions challenging Delhi Police's restrictions on peaceful demonstrations in the national capital. The court will examine whether citizens, students and political leaders are being arbitrarily prevented from exercising their constitutional right to protest.
LSN India ·
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, accepted petitions on Monday alleging systemic obstruction of peaceful protests by Delhi Police. The counsel presenting the plea contended that authorities have prevented citizens, students, and representatives of registered political parties—including Members of Parliament—from holding lawful demonstrations.
During the hearing, the CJI inquired about the nature of relief sought and the petitioner's status. The counsel clarified that the petition seeks specific judicial directions to ensure Delhi Police permit peaceful protests in accordance with existing laws and constitutional provisions.
The bench indicated it would first ascertain whether related matters are already pending adjudication in the court before proceeding with substantive hearings. The court's decision to list the plea signals judicial concern over allegations of disproportionate restrictions on the fundamental right to protest, a cornerstone of India's constitutional democracy.
The matter touches on the critical balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens' constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression and assembly in the national capital.