Can't block public roads indefinitely, says SC on protestors at Shaheen Bagh

The Supreme Court on Monday (February 10) said those protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act at Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh cannot block public roads and cause inconvenience for others.

“You cannot block public roads. There cannot be an indefinite period of protest in such an area. if you want to protest, it has to be in an area identified for protest,” the bench said.

The apex court further said that the protests at Shaheen Bagh have been going on for a long time but it should not create inconvenience for others.

The apex court issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government, and the Delhi police on the pleas seeking removal of protesters from Shaheen Bagh.

Also read: SC takes cognisance of infants death during Shaheen Bagh protest

“There is a law and people have a grievance against it. The matter is pending in court. Despite that, some people are protesting. They are entitled to protest,” a bench comprising justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said.

The bench said it would not pass any direction on the two petitions they had received without hearing the side of the government.

“If you can wait for 50 days, you can wait for one more week,” Justice S K Kaul was quoted as saying. The bench posted the matter for hearing on February 17.

(With inputs from agencies)