SC gives judgement regarding Right to Protest

SC gives judgement regarding Right to Protest

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Fundamental Rights; Judiciary

In news

• The Supreme Court has recently highlighted that occupying public places for protests is not acceptable and such a space cannot be occupied indefinitely.

Key highlights of the judgement

• The verdict came after a plea was filed against the Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests which had led to blocking of a road in Shaheen Bagh in Delhi last December.
• The judgment upheld the right to peaceful protest against a law 
• It also made clear that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied, especially indefinitely.
• The rights to free speech and peaceful protest were “treasures” but also subject to reasonable restrictions imposed in the interests of sovereignty, integrity and public order. 
• The right of the protester has to be balanced with the right of the commuter. They have to co-exist in mutual respect.
• The bench also said that it was entirely the responsibility of the administration to prevent encroachments in public spaces.