Achi news desk-
GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the widespread issuance of ‘responsible’ warrants under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) before the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. The committee appointing judges Bar Gwai and Sandeep Mehta ordered that any request of a similar nature submitted by the petitioners must be decided by the competent authority within three days of their submission.
The PIL, filed by activists Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey, raised concerns about the imposition of routine Section 144 orders across India during election periods, effectively banning public gatherings, meetings and demonstrations. Attorney Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, emphasized the trend of issuing orders of this type for the entire duration of the elections without a specific reason for fear of a breach of peace, as required by law.
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During the hearing, Bohosen referred to an order issued by a Bremer County judge on March 16, which restricted public assemblies and processions without prior written permission from the returning officer concerned. In response to the claims, the committee issued a notice on the matter and ordered to decide on any application by the petitioners to hold activities during elections within three days.
Bhoshan requested an expedited hearing, expressing concern that delays could affect the ongoing election process. The court returned the notice within two weeks.
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In a notable development, the court amended its order so that it would apply to all applicants, not just the petitioners, and ensured wider applicability throughout the country. The PIL was filed through Advocate on Record Prasanna S.
