A group of advocates from various High Courts has written to Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, requesting the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of a sit-in protest led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other politicians near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence. The advocates are seeking a fact-finding inquiry into the protest and the establishment of clear guidelines for demonstrations near high-security installations.
The advocates argue that the protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence goes beyond a typical public assembly and raises concerns related to national security and constitutional governance. They highlight that the demonstration, which involved prominent political figures like Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and others, took place in a highly security-sensitive area in the National Capital without prior authorization.
According to the representation, despite warnings from senior police officials about the high-security nature of the location, the protesters, including MPs and Chief Ministers, continued their sit-in protest for several hours. The advocates emphasize the need for reasonable restrictions on the right to protest, especially in areas crucial for security, to prevent potential security risks and maintain public order.
Referring to the incident where the Delhi Police had to remove the protesting leaders after hours, the advocates stress the importance of balancing the constitutional right to protest with security imperatives. They call for the Supreme Court to intervene, conduct an inquiry, and establish consistent guidelines for protests near high-security installations to ensure the safety and integrity of such sensitive areas.
