The Bench stressed that peaceful protests should be encouraged while isolated incidents must be handled with restraint
The Supreme Court on Tuesday underscored the need for law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint while dealing with protests, observing that young people should be counselled and pacified instead of being met with an aggressive response from the State. The remarks came during the hearing of a plea seeking action against the organisers of the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo‘ march over allegations that the protest incited violence.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana agreed to tag the fresh petition, filed by retired Air Force officer Maneesh Kumar Solanki, with a similar matter already pending before the court. The petitioner sought accountability from the organisers, alleging that inflammatory speeches contributed to the unrest.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that those responsible for the violence should not escape scrutiny and raised concerns over the security implications of protesters marching towards Parliament. The counsel described Parliament as the “temple of democracy” and questioned what could have happened had protesters breached security.
Responding to the submissions, the Chief Justice observed that even if some “misguided elements” indulge in stone-pelting, the larger objective should be to prevent further escalation through counselling and dialogue.
“Youngsters need advice and counselling. Any aggressive approach from the side of the mighty State may socially aggravate the situation and precipitate further violence,” the Bench observed, adding that listening to young protesters and understanding their grievances is often the most effective way to restore peace.
The court also stressed that while peaceful protests must be encouraged, law enforcement agencies should act with caution whenever isolated incidents of violence occur. It said the police are best placed to assess ground situations but emphasised that restraint is essential to ensure that tensions do not spiral further.
The plea has now been tagged with the pending batch of petitions related to the July 20 protests, and the matter will be heard along with those cases.
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