New Delhi, February 17: The Supreme Court on Monday told Shaheen Bagh protesters to come to a “reasonable solution” so that roads are no longer blocked.
The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by advocate Amit Sahni, who had approached the high court seeking directions to the Delhi Police to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch, which remains blocked by anti-CAA protesters since December 15.
“You have the right to protest but let the roads not be blocked. This can create chaos. Today you are protesting, others may protest tomorrow. People get ideas,” the Supreme Court observed during the hearing.
When advocate Amit Sahni brought up Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad’s comment that “there will be 5,000 more Shaheen Baghs”, the Supreme Court bench said, “We have no problem with 5,000 protests. We just want those roads are not blocked. What’s troubling us is a very limited scope which is blocking of roads. There is a fundamental right to protest.”
“Maybe a section of society is very aggrieved but there is a mode and manner in which protests can be done. Something that does not affect traffic flow,” the court added.
The Supreme Court asked Chandrashekhar Azad, who had moved an intervention in the appeal filed by advocate Amit Sahni, and other intervenors to “try and speak to the Shaheen Bagh protesters and ask them to leave the site”.
Taking cognizance of the intervention plea, the Supreme Court has also asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to file an affidavit to suggest a solution to the road blockage.
