Democracy without protest thodi adhoori lagti hai. Sadke pe nikalna, placards uthana, slogans lagana – yeh sab citizens ka expression ka natural extension hai. Isi liye constitutions jo free speech protect karte hain, wo generally peaceful assembly ka right bhi recognise karte hain.
Lekin yeh right absolute nahi. State public order, traffic management, safety, aur rights of others ke naam par reasonable restrictions laga sakta hai – jaise permit requirement, fixed route, sound limits, designated zones. Violence, property damage, ya hate speech ke sath mix hone pe protest ka legal protection weak ho jata hai.
Courts aksar balance dhoondte hain. Blanket bans, indefinite prohibitory orders, ya purely political convenience ke liye crackdown suspect nazar se dekha jata hai. Dusri taraf, protestors se bhi expectation hoti hai ki wo emergency services, exams, hospitals, ya essential supplies ko block karne se bachein.
Modern twist: online protests, digital campaigns, and symbolic acts (like boycotts) bhi expression ke part ban gaye hain. Unpe bhi defamation, hate speech, and incitement jaisi boundaries ka basic logic apply hota hai.
Bottom line – awaz uthana right hai, lekin peaceful, proportionate aur law-conscious tareeke se.
