SC to consider identifying protest sites that won’t affect daily commute of people

The Supreme Court of India has been asked to consider identifying protest sites that do not disrupt the daily commute of the general public. Advocates argue that while citizens have the fundamental right to peacefully assemble and protest, it should not come at the cost of infringing on the rights of those who are not involved in the demonstrations.

The petitioner, Aalok Mohan, has sought a comprehensive national framework from the government to regulate protests and ensure they do not interfere with the rights of others. The current lack of such a framework leads to differing practices across the country, causing conflicts between the rights of demonstrators and commuters, patients, school children, emergency services, and the general public.

The court will examine the issue along with other petitions requesting the identification of suitable protest sites equipped with basic amenities, such as water, toilets, food, and medical assistance, to avoid inconveniencing daily commuters.