We must start by recognising that neither the Constitution nor any democratic tradition allows for indefinite protest — no matter how peaceful. Article 16 of our Constitution states “Every citizen shall have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of public order”. The dharnas are no longer peaceful. Protesters have carried arms from the outset — nail-studded sticks and slingshot. A sit-in lasting 17 days and nights on a main thoroughfare that paralyses life in the nation’s capital is surely past the limits of reasonableness. Public order is in a shambles. Leaders of the dharnas openly call upon their followers to resist the police. One speaks of insurrection; the other of civil disobedience. They incite violence by crying out for martyrdom, donning burial shrouds and digging graves.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:32:49 +0000
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