India Supreme Court rules police excesses against protestors unjustified

• The Supreme Court has orally remarked that police excesses against protestors cannot be justified.
• The court emphasized the need for self-evolved discipline during protests, stating that lathi charge is not justified merely because there is agitation.
• The right to hold peaceful protests is guaranteed under law in India, and the Supreme Court has consistently upheld this right.
• Advocates highlighted the use of excessive force by security forces in Bihar during a bandh, including the use of AK 47 automatic guns against protestors.

Right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed. That cannot be denied. Merely because there is agitation cannot justify police excess.

The Supreme Court has orally remarked that police excesses against protestors cannot be justified. The remark was made during the hearing of petitions seeking pan-India guidelines to ensure peaceful protests are allowed. The pleas were filed in response to recent incidents of police using force against protestors at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and in Bihar.

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, emphasized that life is precious for every individual, including police personnel. He urged the need for self-evolved discipline during protests, stating that merely because there is agitation does not mean there should be lathi charge.

The right to hold peaceful protests is guaranteed under law in India. The Supreme Court has consistently upheld this right, emphasizing its importance for democratic process. However, the recent incidents of police brutality against protestors have raised concerns about the need for pan-India guidelines to ensure peaceful protests are allowed.

Advocates Fauzia Shakil and Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioners, highlighted the use of excessive force by security forces in Bihar during a bandh. They pointed out that AK 47 automatic guns were used against protestors, which is a stark reminder of the need for self-evolved discipline during protests.

The Supreme Court's emphasis on self-evolved discipline during protests has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers. They should take note that the court's remarks may impact their advice to clients on how to navigate future demonstrations. The need for pan-India guidelines to ensure peaceful protests are allowed is also a pressing concern, as it will help prevent police brutality against protestors.

The Supreme Court's ruling has far-reaching consequences for India's democratic process. It highlights the importance of upholding the right to peaceful protest and ensuring that security forces exercise restraint during demonstrations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of the Supreme Court's emphasis on self-evolved discipline during protests, which may impact their advice to clients on how to navigate future demonstrations.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu