By IANS,
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Monday sought the response of the central government and the Delhi Police on a petition challenging a ban on holding protests in the central and New Delhi districts.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan issued notice to the government and the police on a petition filed by Bano Bee, an activist associated with an organisation working for the victims of Bhopal gas tragedy.
Bano Bee approached the High court after the police refused to allow her to hold a protest march in support of the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy last month.
Prashant Bhushan, counsel for Bano Bee, contended that police have been invoking section 144 (banning the assembly of five or more people) of the Criminal Procedure Code for many years, which is illegal.
“Right to protest is a fundamental right and it cannot be banned. At most, there can be some reasonable restrictions on holding protest. New Delhi, being the centre of power, is the most appropriate place to hold protest and the government cannot put a blanket ban on it,” the petition said.