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The Supreme Court on Monday refused to pass any interim orders against the proposed September 5 protest march announced by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), observing that there was no compelling reason at this stage to presume that the demonstration would lead to any law and order problem.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice on an application challenging the proposed march but declined to list the matter before September 5.
The Bench will hear the matter in detail on September 10, along with other pending cases concerning student protests.
Retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh filed the application, seeking directions against large-scale demonstrations or protest marches in sensitive areas of the national Capital without requisite permission.
Appearing for the applicant, advocate Rizwan Ahmed raised concerns over the proposed march from India Gate to the New Delhi Police Headquarters, particularly in view of the upcoming BRICS Summit in the national Capital. He further submitted that the demonstration had been announced through social media and, to his knowledge, the organisers had not sought permission from authorities.
Advocate Rizwan Ahmed expressed apprehension about a possible law and order situation on the eve of the international summit.
Court’s Observation
The CJI-led Bench declined to presume that the demonstration would cause any untoward incident. The Bench said it expected everyone to act responsibly, peacefully and lawfully unless compelling circumstances suggested otherwise.
The Supreme Court observed that maintaining law and order was ultimately the responsibility of police authorities and asked the applicant to approach the Centre with his grievances and apprehensions.
The Bench declined to pre-empt the organisers’ actions. It said the Union and Delhi authorities must ensure that law and order remains within the legal framework.
The CJP had announced the peaceful march from India Gate to the New Delhi Police Headquarters, alleging that the Centre had failed to honour commitments made to young people on July 25.
The party said the march would be led by families of deceased NEET victims and victims of alleged police brutality, with students and young citizens from across the country joining it.
The Supreme Court will hear the application in detail on September 10 along with other pending matters concerning the CJP-linked student protests.
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