Breach of peace charge is 'ploy' to curb protest rights, SC plea argues

An academician has filed a petition in the Supreme Court arguing that breach of peace charges are being weaponised to suppress the right to peaceful protest. The plea contends that if every call for a peaceful demonstration is treated as a breach of peace by authorities, citizens cannot exercise their fundamental right of public assembly.

The petition challenges what is characterised as a pattern of misusing breach of peace provisions to detain protesters and prevent lawful gatherings. The challenge raises concerns about the interpretation and application of these legal provisions by state authorities.

The matter highlights the ongoing tension between public order concerns and constitutional protections for freedom of expression and assembly in India.