The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to consider a petition highlighting nationwide disruptions to essential services and public movement during demonstrations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana tagged the fresh plea with an existing case regarding protest venues. While acknowledging the concerns raised in the petition, the bench questioned how judicial directions could be framed to resolve the issue.
Representing the petitioner, legal counsel argued that public demonstrations across the country regularly disturb entry and exit points for residents. The attorney further noted that authorities face practical difficulties in distinguishing active protestors from regular citizens during these disruptions.
The apex court linked the matter to a pending public interest litigation that it agreed to examine on August 3. That separate petition seeks alternative site arrangements for demonstrations, contending that protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi disrupt medical services, hinder the supply of essential goods, and cause significant inconvenience to local residents.
