CJI Affirms Right to Peaceful Protest

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, recently stated that the right to peaceful protest is protected by the constitution and that police cannot use excessive force against protesters.

This statement comes after protests on July 20, where students demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, due to alleged lapses in examination conduct.

There have been reports of police baton-charging protesters, increased surveillance, and harassment.

The government also shut down mobile Internet and metro stations in the area.

While it is important to maintain law and order, the CJI's statement emphasizes that the right to protest peacefully should be respected and protected.