Hearing petitions over alleged police excesses during the NEET-UG protest, the apex court says the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly must be protected while ensuring public order
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday reaffirmed that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional guarantee, observing that police cannot use excessive force merely because citizens are demonstrating. The court also indicated it is considering framing uniform nationwide guidelines to regulate peaceful protests while maintaining public order.
Hearing petitions alleging police excesses during protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana said peaceful demonstrations should follow an organised framework with designated venues.
The court stressed that allegations of police misconduct must be independently examined and said peaceful protests cannot justify lathi charges or excessive force unless there are genuine law and order concerns.
The Bench also took note of submissions alleging attacks on police personnel during the demonstrations, observing that their safety is equally important. It said any future framework should protect both peaceful protesters and law enforcement while balancing democratic freedoms with public order.
The matter will be heard again on Tuesday.
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