Peaceful protest is fundamental right, but authorities must act if it turns violent: HC

On Friday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized the importance of peaceful protest as a fundamental right, while also stressing that authorities have the responsibility to intervene when protests turn violent or threaten public safety. The court's Division Bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, was hearing a PIL filed by Chandigarh resident and advocate Vivek Singla.

Singla sought directions to the Chandigarh Administration, police, and states of Punjab and Haryana to maintain law and order in the city and prevent protesters from organizing or entering the city on August 15 or any other date following a protest call from Quami Insaf Morcha. The court stated that while citizens have the right to assemble and express their views peacefully, authorities are obliged to take action if protests turn violent or endanger public safety.

The Bench expressed hope that both Punjab and Haryana, as well as Chandigarh, would handle the situation with sensitivity and responsibility, ensuring no harmful incidents occur and taking appropriate preventive and remedial measures in accordance with the law to protect the public's life, liberty, and security. The court listed the matter for a further hearing on August 20, with status reports to be filed by Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.