'Tread carefully': SC calls for restraint, dialogue in dealing with student protesters
The Supreme Court of India has advised law enforcement to exercise restraint when dealing with student protesters, emphasizing that violent responses often escalate tensions. The court is currently reviewing petitions related to protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the judiciary's role in balancing public order with the democratic right to protest, particularly regarding student-led movements.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that authorities must exercise restraint while dealing with student protesters, saying any violent response to prevent violence only escalates the situation.The court tagged the matter with other pending petitions related to violence during student protests in Delhi and other states, saying the issues would be heard together.“In a democracy, during such peaceful marches, forces also should exercise restraint. Authorities need to tread very carefully so that youngsters don’t indulge in violence. Responding violently would only aggravate the situation. The biggest powerful source is listening, listening to what they are saying and why they are agitating”, the CJI said. The court also expressed confidence in the judgment and discretion of law enforcement agencies.“Let us leave it to the wisdom of the law enforcement agency, they know better than us how to deal with the situation. We have heard you.
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