What happened: Supreme Court of India mulls protest-policing guidelines
The Supreme Court of India indicated it may frame uniform guidelines for police conduct during large-scale protests.
The Supreme Court’s oral remarks, as reported, stressed that peaceful protest is constitutionally protected and that agitation alone does not justify police excesses such as baton charges. The Court also expressed concern about injuries to both protesters and police personnel and highlighted the need for self-discipline by citizens and law enforcement.
Background: issues raised in petitions on protest policing
Petitions before the Supreme Court include allegations of police excesses during a July 20 march to Parliament in Delhi involving student protesters. Other petitions include claims of “aerial firing” in Bihar.
What changed now: cases to be heard together
Related current affairs
- Protests that inconvenience people must not be confused with violence
- Congress alleges Bihar police subjected students to extreme brutality; AK-47 use claimed
- Congress alleges Bihar police subjected students to extreme brutality including AK-47s; questions role of CM and Amit Shah
- INBRIEF: Delhi High Court questions using Jantar Mantar for protests
- Supreme Court guidelines for gender-sensitive, trauma-informed adjudication in sexual offence cases
- Letters to the Editor (submitter excerpts)