The Bombay High Court has reaffirmed the importance of the right to protest in a democracy, observing that citizens should not be prevented from expressing dissent through peaceful demonstrations. During a hearing, Justice Madhav Jamdar questioned the rationale behind restrictions imposed on public protests and expressed concern over criminal proceedings initiated against protesters.
The court also examined the justification for taking penal action against individuals for raising political slogans, noting that the freedom to protest forms an essential part of democratic values. Justice Jamdar remarked that peaceful agitation and public demonstrations are legitimate means for citizens to voice their concerns in a democratic society.
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These observations were made while hearing a petition challenging an externment order. The High Court’s remarks highlighted the need to balance law and order with citizens’ constitutional rights, while emphasising that democratic freedoms should not be curtailed without sufficient justification.
