'Protest without permission not in accordance with law': SC on CJP’s Oct 10 stir
The Supreme Court of India has questioned the legality of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party, noting that demonstrations without police permission are unlawful. The court indicated it might ease restrictions on the protest if organizers formally challenge the denial of permission and provide safety assurances.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between the fundamental right to protest and the state's authority to regulate public order and security.
NEW DELHI: A team of senior advocates led by Kapil Sibal moved the Supreme Court on Friday, challenging the cancellation of trains and proposed closure of Metro stations in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned why the protesters had not challenged the Delhi Police's decision to deny permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.The court observed that unless the denial of permission was challenged, it could not consider relaxing the restrictions imposed ahead of the protest."If there is no permission for protests, it will be an unlawful protest," Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed.Sibal, appearing for CPM MP M A Baby, argued that every citizen had the right to protest, even spontaneously.The Supreme Court said the right to peaceful protest at a designated place existed, but holding a demonstration without permission…
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