The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that demonstrations must operate within designated periods rather than occupying public spaces at all times. Responding to the Kirana Committee Delhi's claims of massive neighborhood disruption, the court ruled it cannot resolve the matter without the protest organizers joined as official parties. The legal proceedings also encompass broader civil concerns, including allegations of mass detentions, police brutality, internet blackouts, and the shutdown of local Metro stations.
Key points
The court affirmed the right to protest but ruled that sites cannot be occupied indefinit…: The court affirmed the right to protest but ruled that sites cannot be occupied indefinitely without designated time limits.
Petitions before the bench extend beyond business losses to include claims of police brut…: Petitions before the bench extend beyond business losses to include claims of police brutality, detentions, transit closures, and internet shutdowns.
The bench had previously sought responses regarding separate allegations by opposition le…: The bench had previously sought responses regarding separate allegations by opposition leaders concerning large-scale voter deletions from electoral rolls.
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A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a batch of petitions, including one filed by the Kirana Committee Delhi, which alleged that the demonstrations at Ramlila Maidan had affected business in the surrounding areas.
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"You can't occupy a site at all times. Where will farmers, journalists, etc., go? Everyone has the right to protest. Designated time must be given for designated period," the Chief Justice said.
The petitions also raise concerns over alleged mass detentions, police brutality, the closure of Metro stations and internet shutdowns in connection with the protests.
The bench asked the traders' organisations to implead the organisers of the anti-CEC protests as parties to their petition, which alleges business losses due to the demonstrations.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the traders, told the court that around 50 lakh people live in areas surrounding the protest site and that shops remained shut, with no one in Connaught Place…
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