New Delhi, 27 July (H.S.): Chief Justice of India Suryakant on Monday said that every citizen has a constitutional right to stage peaceful protests within the framework of law. He observed that the mere occurrence of a protest does not give police the authority to carry out baton charges or use excessive force.

The Chief Justice made the remarks while hearing a matter related to the recent protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He said that if the police have exceeded their authority at any place, there should be an impartial investigation into the matter. He also emphasised the need for uniform guidelines across the country to deal with protests.

Justice Bagchi, who was part of the bench, said that the court was concerned about both the injured students and police personnel. He questioned whether the government could be asked why adequate protective equipment, including helmets and other safety gear, was not provided to police personnel for handling violent situations.

On July 20, clashes broke out between protesters and Delhi Police at several locations during a march towards Parliament. The petition alleged that police personnel used excessive force against demonstrators at various places during the protest.

According to the allegations, Delhi Police carried out baton charges on students and used tear gas shells at multiple locations. Several First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the incident at Connaught Place Police Station, Parliament Street Police Station and other police stations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar