New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a review petition filed against its judgement concerning the anti-CAA protests at Shaheen Bagh by a collective of mothers, children and senior citizens, in which it is held that the demonstrations were inconvenient for commuters.
In its February 9 order, Apex Court bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Aniruddha Bose and Krishna Murari, held that " the right to protest cannot be anytime and everywhere."
The bench asserted that democracy and dissent go hand in hand, but then the demonstrations expressing dissent have to be in designated places alone.
"There may be some spontaneous protests but in case of prolonged dissent or protest, there cannot be continued occupation of public place affecting rights of others", the order read.
While dismissing pleas seeking review of its October 7, 2020 judgment, the bench noted, "We have persued the review plea and record of the civil appeal and are convinced that the order of which review has been sought, does not suffer from any error apparent warranting its reconsideration."
The review plea comes in light of the recent developments and subsequent observations made during the farm laws challenge hearings on the right to protest.(UNI)