New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to pass an order seeking a stay on the protest march called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi on September 5.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said it expected all parties to act peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the law.
The bench directed the petitioner to approach a high-powered committee constituted by the court to examine allegations of police violence during the NEET protests. The matter has been tagged with pending petitions and will be heard on September 10.
The court said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the authorities, while those organising or participating in the protest were expected to remain within the bounds of the law.
The CJP has announced a protest march in Delhi, alleging that the Centre failed to fulfil assurances given on July 25, following which the party had withdrawn its 36-day agitation over alleged examination irregularities.
Delhi Police had earlier said that despite the CJP announcing its plans, it had not received any request for permission for a march from India Gate to the Delhi Police headquarters.
The petition was filed by retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh, who sought restrictions on public calls for gatherings, marches or organised protests in security-sensitive areas such as India Gate, Central Vista and surrounding areas unless prior permission had been obtained.
The petitioner also sought regulation or postponement of any proposed mobilisation in Lutyens’ Delhi until the conclusion of the BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13.
