Delhi HC to hear PIL alleging ‘intrusive police surveillance’ of Cockroach Janta Party protesters
The Delhi High Court is set to hear a petition challenging the police's use of surveillance towers and constant recording of protesters at Jantar Mantar. The petitioners argue these actions violate constitutional rights to free speech and assembly.
Why it matters
Addresses the tension between state security measures and the right to peaceful protest in a democratic society.
Delhi HC agreed to hear on Monday (July 20) a PIL against the alleged “intrusive surveillance” by the police of Cockroach Janta Party protesters at Jantar Mantar. The plea filed by former JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh has challenged the installation and operation of a permanent surveillance tower and systematic photography and videography of protesters by the Delhi Police.
The plea seeks a declaration that blanket photography, videography and operation of a surveillance tower at the protest site are unconstitutional.
According to the petition, since the commencement of the protest, participants have been subjected to continuous photography, videography and round-the-clock monitoring, including through a permanent surveillance tower allegedly installed at the protest site. The plea contends that the surveillance is being carried out without any disclosed statutory authority, procedural safeguards or constitutionally permissible justification.
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