The Supreme Court on Monday said although people have the fundamental right to protest in a democracy, they should not be blocking roads while hearing on the case related to the Shaheen Bagh blockade.
A two-judge bench comprising justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph said “There must be a balance. This could create chaos,” while hearing on the Shaheen Bagh protest for causing inconvenience to people.
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The Supreme Court has fixed the matter for further hearing on February 24.
“The question is where should they protest… It should not be a place like a street,” the bench said.
“Democracy works on expression of views. But there are lines and boundaries. They can protest and need not wait for the Supreme Court judgment (on the Citizenship Amendment Act). But the issue is, is a road the place to hold protests,” said Justice Kaul.
Two senior lawyers have been appointed by the Supreme Court to talk to protesters in Shaheen Bagh who are protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Senior advocates Sanjay Hegde and Sadhana Ramachandran will meet the protesters and try to persuade them to continue their agitation in another location so that commuters are affected due to blockades.
Former chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah will help them in the task.
Two petitions were filed by lawyer Amit Sahni and BJP leader Nand Kishore Garg to ask the top court to order anti-CAA protesters to end the road blockade on the Shaheen Bagh – Kalindi Kunj stretch.