Centre Moves SC Against Tractor March On Republic Day

“Any disruption or obstruction in the said functions would not only be against the law and order, public order, public interest but would also be a huge embarrassment for the nation,” the Centre said urging the court to pass an order of injunction to stop “anyone to conduct any protest march either in the form of tractor march, trolley march, vehicle march or any other mode [or any protest in any form] by entering into the National Capital Region Territory of Delhi”.

Asserting that the security apparatus during days of national celebrations is strengthened, the Centre said the march, “which is bound to create a serious law and order situation and will cause an embarrassment to the nation”.

Stipulating that the right to protest is subject to the countervailing public interest and law and order, the government added that “the right to protest can never include maligning the nation globally”.

The government further said that a similar protest had been carried out in Delhi recently and that this time, the authorities have earmarked a route that can be used.

“This fact is pointed out to satisfy this Hon’ble Court that while the security agencies and police department would do everything possible to avert and prevent any law and order situation, peaceful protest has always been permitted recognising the same as a fundamental right”, the plea said.