In a significant development with regard to the shifting of Dharna Chowk from Indira Park to a faraway place, the Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday directed the TS Police to allow protest meetings, dharnas and rallies at the Chowk for six weeks.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice S.V. Bhatt while granting the interim order, observed that people’s protests are a key pillar of democracy and democracy is sustained when protesting voices are heard, and if “we suppress them then democracy would be in danger”.
Making it clear that in a democratic country like India the rulers cannot suppress the voice of the people, the bench said that the court will not remain a mute spectator if the voice of the people is suppressed.