The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday
said the right to hold peaceful protests is protected under the Constitution
and that police excesses during such demonstrations cannot be justified.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice
of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also
stressed that every life, including that of police personnel, is equally
important.
"Right to peaceful protest
is absolutely guaranteed. That cannot be denied. Merely because there is
agitation cannot justify police excess," the CJI said.
The Bench also called for
discipline during protests, saying it is essential in a democracy. "Just
because there is an agitation does not mean there should be lathi charge.
Self-evolved discipline is needed which is essential to democratic
process," the CJI remarked, as quoted by the news report.
Court hears plea for
nationwide protest guidelines
The observations came while the
court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking nationwide guidelines to ensure
peaceful protests can take place without unnecessary restrictions.