The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea raising concerns over the disruption of essential services and public movement during protests and strikes.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana directed that the petition be tagged with an existing matter concerning the designation of venues for protests, rallies and public gatherings.
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel submitted that protests often disrupt essential services and significantly affect the movement of people.
Noting that a related case concerning demonstration sites was already active, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed that the new petition be tagged alongside it. While agreeing to hear the matter, the Chief Justice questioned the feasibility of issuing the specific relief sought, asking the petitioner how the Court could issue directions of such a nature.
The existing case before the Supreme Court concerns the use of Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as a venue for protests and public gatherings. The plea has questioned whether the area remains a suitable location for demonstrations in view of safety and logistical concerns.
The matter assumes significance in the backdrop of student protests that began in June following a call by the online collective Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protesters had sought the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged repeated question paper leaks. The protests subsequently culminated in a “Sansad Chalo” march towards Parliament on July 20.
The petition concerning Jantar Mantar has sought directions for designation of an alternative venue for holding protests and public demonstrations.
The Supreme Court’s decision to tag the fresh plea with the pending matter is likely to bring the broader issues concerning the regulation of protests, public access and disruption of essential services before the Court for consideration.
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