Exercise Restraint During Protests - Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that police and security forces should exercise restraint while dealing with protests. The court said that even if some protesters resort to stone pelting, authorities should first try to calm them down through dialogue and counselling instead of immediately using force. The bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan accepted for hearing a petition seeking action against the organisers of the recent "Chalo Parliament" march for allegedly inciting violence.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that the organisers had shown no accountability even 15 days after the protest and continued to make provocative statements. Responding to the argument, the bench said excessive action by the government could further escalate tensions. It stressed that listening to protesters' grievances and addressing their concerns is often the most effective approach, while leaving operational decisions to law enforcement authorities.