The Supreme Court of India has officially declined to entertain a petition seeking a stay on a proposed march by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) in the Lutyens Delhi area. This march is scheduled to take place on 5 September, which precedes the high-profile BRICS Summit slated for 12 and 13 September. The apex court, while hearing the matter, emphasized that there is currently no substantial or concrete evidence to suggest that the event would lead to any untoward incidents or disruptions in the national capital.
Judicial Observations on Law and Order
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, who headed the bench, remarked that the responsibility for maintaining law and order rests squarely with the government authorities. The court expressed its expectation that the relevant officials would perform their duties diligently to ensure that peace is maintained. The CJI further noted that all parties involved in such demonstrations are expected to behave in a peaceful, responsible, and lawful manner. The bench made it clear that the judiciary wouldn't intervene in the scheduling of the protest based on mere apprehensions of violence.
Refusal to Summon Organizers
The Supreme Court also rejected the demand to summon the organizers of the CJP march and other groups involved in the proposed protests. The petition had raised concerns regarding the potential impact on law and order during the upcoming BRICS Summit. However, the bench led by CJI Surya Kant stated that the issues raised by the petitioner could be presented before the high-power committee already established by the court. This committee was specifically formed to investigate matters related to violence in protests and associated concerns.
Role of the High-Power Committee
CJI Surya Kant informed the petitioner that the court has already directed the high-power committee to address and resolve all such issues, while the Supreme Court expressed full confidence in the committee's ability to perform its duties. The court advised that concerned individuals should approach this committee with their specific grievances and suggestions, while the bench reiterated that it's the committee's job to look into these matters, and the court is confident that the committee will fulfill its mandate effectively.
Government Responsibility and Peaceful Conduct
Regarding the fears of violence during the proposed protests, the Supreme Court stated that there is no current basis to assume that anything wrong will happen. The CJI remarked that everyone is expected to act in a peaceful and legal manner. The court also dismissed the suggestion to call or address specific protest groups, stating that there is no particular group that the court can summon in this manner. Instead, the court directed the petitioner to approach the Delhi government and the Central government, as maintaining order is their primary responsibility. The Supreme Court concluded that the Central and Delhi governments must ensure law and order during the BRICS Summit, and the court places this responsibility on them with the trust that they will act accordingly.