New
Delhi, (the states. news)
The Supreme Court
on Monday asserted that the police is the ‘first authority’ to decide whether
protesting farmers can be granted entry into the national capital or not while
hearing an application by the Delhi Police seeking injunction against farmers’
unions from causing any disruption to the Republic Day celebrations in the
national capital.
Apex Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde and comprising
Justices LN Rao and Vineet Saran also refused to pass any order on protesting
farmers’ proposed parallel tractor rally during Republic Day celebrations on
January 26.
“The question of entry into Delhi is a law and order situation that is to
be determined by the police. We have told the AG and SG before that whether who
should be allowed and who should not be allowed and the number of people who
can enter are all matters of law and order to be dealt with by the police. We
are not the first authority. You are at liberty to invoke all powers under the
law,” the CJI stated.
In its plea, the Delhi police contended that farmers’ tractor rally could cause
law and order problems and create an embarrassing situation for the country in
the eyes of the entire world.
“Right to protest is always subject to the countervailing public order and
the public interest. The right to protest can never include maligning the
nation globally,’ the plea read.
During the course of hearing, Attorney General KK Venugopal, on behalf of the
Delhi police said, “This will be illegal. The entry of 5000 people into
Delhi.”
“Mr Attorney General, we are adjourning the matter and you have all the
authority to deal with this matter,” the court further said.
“We are not going to tell you what you should do. We will take up this
matter on Jan 20”, the bench said informing that the matter will be heard
on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the farmer unions’ are firm on holding the rally on Republic Day and
was proceeding with mock tractor rallies in various parts of Punjab to
encourage more and more people to join the proposed ‘Kisan Tractor March’ in
large numbers.
However, some reports said that farmer leaders have said the tractor rally on
January 26 will only take place at the Haryana-Delhi borders and the farmers
are not planning to disrupt the Republic Day parade at the Red Fort. (uni)
(media saheb.com)