Apex Court Considers Guidelines for Police Conduct During Mass Protests
The Supreme Court indicated it might frame uniform guidelines for police conduct during large-scale demonstrations, emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stressed that discipline is integral to democracy and that police excesses should be independently examined. The court acknowledged injuries to both protesters and police personnel and highlighted the need for "self-imposed discipline" from both citizens and law enforcement. Senior advocate Vikas Singh urged the court to frame uniform guidelines due to widespread allegations of police excesses across the country, making a standard operating protocol necessary.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court is considering framing uniform guidelines for police conduct during mass demonstrations to protect the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that police excesses must be independently examined and that discipline is crucial for democratic processes.
- The court acknowledged concerns over injuries sustained by both protesters and police personnel, stressing the need for self-imposed discipline from all parties.
- Senior advocate Vikas Singh advocated for uniform guidelines to address widespread allegations of police excesses across the country.
- A standard operating protocol for police action during protests is deemed necessary by the CJI.
Exam Facts
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant made the oral remarks.
- The Bench also comprised Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
- Petitions concerned protests over examination issues and alleged "aerial firing" by police in Bihar.
- A petition sought a ban on the use of projectile-action guns (PAGs) or pellet guns for crowd control, citing Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution.
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