Lawyers have written a letter to the CJI demanding to take cognizance of Rahul Gandhi’s demonstration outside the PM residence. He has urged for investigation of this protest on NEET-UG issue and making guidelines for protests in high-security zones.
New Delhi [भारत]July 24 (ANI): A group of lawyers has submitted a representation to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. In this, it has been demanded to take suo motu cognizance of the protest organized outside the Prime Minister’s official residence 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on July 21 by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders.
The lawyers have also demanded an investigation into the incident and formulation of guidelines to regulate protests in high-security zones. This report has been presented by Advocate Sanket Gupta on behalf of lawyers practicing in various High Courts and District Courts. It states that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, but this right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order and security.
The whole matter of 21st July demonstration
According to the report, Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, several MPs and Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka had staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence on July 21 over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak issue. The lawyers claim that the protest was carried out without any prior permission and the road leading to the Prime Minister’s residence was blocked.
The report said that senior Delhi Police officials repeatedly requested the protesters to leave and told them that the area was a high-security zone. It further claims that Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi and requested him to end the protest. He assured that the government is ready to discuss this issue in Parliament.
According to the report, despite these requests the protesters continued their protest. The lawyers have also cited a social media post by Rahul Gandhi, in which people were invited to join the protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence. They argue that such a public call could have security implications, as it could lead to uncontrolled crowd gathering in a highly protected area.
According to reports, the protest lasted for about three hours before the police removed Rahul Gandhi and other leaders from the spot. It has been alleged that this long protest put unnecessary pressure on the security arrangements around the Prime Minister’s residence.
Allegations of violation of security and rules
The report further argues that if such protests are allowed to take place outside high-security establishments without any consequences, it could encourage similar protests in the future and pose a threat to public order and security. Even while considering peaceful protest a fundamental right, lawyers have said it must be balanced with security concerns. Citing constitutional provisions, he said that protests at sensitive places can be regulated through appropriate restrictions.
The report also alleges that the incident violated the provisions of the Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS), the Indian Civil Code (BNS), the Special Protection Group Act, 1988 and related security protocols. These allegations have been made in the report and have not been investigated or adjudicated upon by any court.
The lawyers have urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the July 21 protests, order a fact-finding investigation into the incident and frame binding guidelines to control protests and public gatherings near high-security establishments across the country. (ANI)
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