"Right To Protest Does Not Include Maligning Nation Globally"; Delhi Police Moves SC For Ban On Tractor March Planned On Republic Day

The Application states that it has come to the knowledge of security agencies that "a small group of protesting individuals/organisations have planned to carry out a tractor/trolley/vehicle march on Republic Day" and that the march is "slated to disturb and disrupt" the parade as well as create a law and order situation, thereby causing embarrassment to the nation.

Highlighting that right to protest is subject to the countervailing public order and public interest, the Application submits that the right cannot include "maligning the nation globally". Noting that the Supreme Court is seized of the issues pertaining to the constitutionality of the Farm Acts and the Farmers' protests, the Application seeks for the Top Court to pass an injunction restraining such protest march scheduled on Republic Day.

"Therefore, it is requested that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to pass an order of injunction restraining anyone to conduct any protest march either in the form of tractor march, trolley march, vehicle march or any other mode into the National Capital Region territory of Delhi on 26^th January, 2021".

The Application then lists the routes that have been fully blocked due to the continuing protests and presents the chronology of events that are due to take place on account of Republic Day, beginning with the grand rehearsal on 23^rd January and ending with Martyrs Day on 30^th January.

In light of the above, the Delhi Police has prayed for an order of injunction to be passed accordingly.

Supreme Court Bench headed by CJI SA Bobde will be passing an order on the farm laws and the protests today. Live updates will be available here.