Apex court mulls guidelines to regulate police conduct during mass demonstrations
The Supreme Court of India indicated it may frame uniform guidelines for police conduct during mass protests while stressing peaceful protest rights and scrutiny of police excesses.
- The Supreme Court is considering uniform guidelines for police conduct during large-scale protests.
- The Supreme Court stressed that agitation alone should not justify excessive police action such as baton charges.
- The Supreme Court indicated that allegations of police wrongdoing should be independently examined.
- The Supreme Court expressed concern about injuries suffered by protesters and police personnel during protest incidents.
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.
UPSC can frame the issue as balancing two constitutional values: peaceful protest as a guaranteed right, and lawful, restrained policing with accountability when police force is alleged to be excessive or unlawful.
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