Tura, April 10, 2025: The Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF), Garo group strongly condemn the recent police action against anti-Aadhaar protestors in Shillong. The use of force to disperse peaceful demonstrators is a clear infringement on our Fundamental Right to protest and express dissent.
” We believe that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and free speech, under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions for maintaining public order and safety. The recent police action against anti-Aadhaar protestors raises concerns about the use of force to disperse peaceful demonstrators, which is unacceptable and violates, Human Rights Standards. The suppression of dissenting voices undermines the principles of Democracy and Free Speech, asserted Greneth M.Sangma President of CRF, Tura.
According to CRF citizens have the right to protest peacefully, and any restrictions must be reasonable and justifiable. The relevant laws and regulations, including Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Peaceful Assembly and free speech. Additionally, Section 125 BNSS, empowers authorities to impose prohibitory orders to maintain public order.
CRF highlighted the BNS Sections that deal with unlawful assemblies and riots. Specifically, Sections 129, 130, and 131 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) prohibit unlawful assemblies, riots, and promoting enmity between different groups.
However, peaceful protests are not considered, unlawful and these sections are not applicable to peaceful protests. “We urged District Magistrate and SP of Shillong to conduct an impartial inquiry into the police action against anti-Aadhaar protestors and take measures to ensure that citizens can exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of reprisal. And also review existing laws and regulations governing protests to ensure they are fair and do not infringe on citizens’ rights”, added Sangma.
CRF urged the authorities to respect and protect our fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful protest. The Democratic Governance requires the active participation of citizens, and will continue to exercise our rights peacefully, said CRF President.
