‘Students have right to protest, don’t interfere’: CJI on Bar Council ‘ban’

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud asserted that students possess the fundamental right to protest and cautioned against any interference with this right. His remarks were made in response to a reported directive from the Bar Council, which allegedly prohibited law students from participating in demonstrations.

Chandrachud's statement underscores the judiciary's stance on safeguarding democratic freedoms, particularly the right to assembly and expression for students. The Chief Justice's intervention highlights a potential conflict between institutional regulations and constitutional rights, emphasizing that such rights should not be curtailed without due process.

The Chief Justice's comments serve as a reminder to authorities and regulatory bodies about the importance of upholding students' rights. The judiciary's role in protecting these freedoms is crucial, especially in contexts where dissent or protest might be viewed as disruptive by established institutions.

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Students have right to protest, don’t interfere