The Supreme Court on Monday came down strongly on the use of force against protesters, observing that a peaceful protest is a constitutionally protected fundamental right and cannot be denied.
The remarks came while hearing petitions filed against the police action at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where a group protesting the alleged NEET question paper leak was dispersed using tear gas and lathi charge.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Jaymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, said the police’s use of excessive force cannot be justified merely because a protest is taking place.
The Bench also noted the need for national-level guidelines on how police should handle protests, and stressed that every life—of students as well as police personnel on duty—carries equal importance.
The court said the petitions relating to the lathi charge on youth will be taken up for further hearing on Tuesday.
