SC to consider identifying protest sites that won’t affect daily commute of people NEW DELHI: If citizens have a fundamental right to assemble and protest peacefully, should it interfere with fundamental rights of those who are not part of the protest to commute safely to their offices or go about their daily lives?This conflict of fundamental rights of protesters and other citizens was highlighted by advocate V Elanchezian, who appeared for PIL petitioner Aalok Mohan, and requested a bench headed by CJI Surya Kant to direct govt to frame a model national framework for providing facilities and guidelines for regulating protests so that they don’t interfere with the rights of others.Citing population growth and urbanisation, the petitioner said, “Despite these developments, there exists no comprehensive national framework prescribing minimum planning standards for infrastructure relating to peaceful public assemblies. Consequently, public authorities across the country adopt differing administrative practices, often leading to avoidable conflict between the constitutional rights of demonstrators and those of commuters, patients, school children, emergency services and the public.””The issue is not whether citizens have the right to assemble peacefully, for that right is protected by the Constitution. The issue is whether constitutional governance now requires govt to examine and formulate a comprehensive national policy providing minimum standards for planning and developing civic infrastructure that facilitates peaceful public assemblies while ensuring harmonious protection of all Fundamental Rights,” the petition said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe bench said it would consider the issue flagged by the petitioner along with other pending petitions seeking identification of proper protest sites with basic amenities, including water, washroom, food and medical assistance, so as not to inconvenience or impede daily commuters from reaching their workplaces or destinations on time.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long8 Indian dinners with over 30g protein that don’t require protein powder123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani
NEW DELHI: If citizens have a fundamental right to assemble and protest peacefully, should it interfere with fundamental rights of those who are not part of the protest to commute safely to their offices or go about their daily lives?This conflict of fundamental rights of protesters and other citizens was highlighted by advocate V Elanchezian, who appeared for PIL petitioner Aalok Mohan, and requested a bench headed by CJI Surya Kant to direct govt to frame a model national framework for providing facilities and guidelines for regulating protests so that they don’t interfere with the rights of others.Citing population growth and urbanisation, the petitioner said, “Despite these developments, there exists no comprehensive national framework prescribing minimum planning standards for infrastructure relating to peaceful public assemblies. Consequently, public authorities across the country adopt differing administrative practices, often leading to avoidable conflict between the constitutional rights of demonstrators and those of commuters, patients, school children, emergency services and the public.““The issue is not whether citizens have the right to assemble peacefully, for that right is protected by the Constitution. The issue is whether constitutional governance now requires govt to examine and formulate a comprehensive national policy providing minimum standards for planning and developing civic infrastructure that facilitates peaceful public assemblies while ensuring harmonious protection of all Fundamental Rights,” the petition said.
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The bench said it would consider the issue flagged by the petitioner along with other pending petitions seeking identification of proper protest sites with basic amenities, including water, washroom, food and medical assistance, so as not to inconvenience or impede daily commuters from reaching their workplaces or destinations on time.
