New Delhi, 31 August (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay the proposed protest march by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi on September 5, observing that all parties are expected to conduct themselves peacefully and within the bounds of the law. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Suryakant directed that the matter be heard on September 10 along with other petitions related to the case.

During the hearing, the court asked the petitioner to submit his representation before the high-powered inquiry committee constituted by the Supreme Court to investigate allegations of police violence during the Jantar Mantar protest. The court observed that maintaining law and order is primarily the responsibility of the law-enforcement agencies. It further said that determining what is lawful and what is unlawful falls within the responsibility of the authorities tasked with enforcing the law.

The petition was filed by Rajendra Singh, a retired Delhi Police officer. The plea sought restrictions on any large-scale mobilisation, march or organised demonstration in and around security-sensitive areas such as India Gate and Central Vista without obtaining the necessary prior permissions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar