CEC protests: Bombay High Court says won’t allow detentions that violate law

The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court heard a plea challenging the detention of seven members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The individuals were detained by the Goa Police during a protest at Azad Maidan in Panaji, where they allegedly shouted slogans against the Union Government, State Government, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The High Court had earlier ordered their release on Sunday, noting that the detention may not have been authorised under the law.

In its defense, the Goa Police filed an affidavit justifying the action, citing a history of unauthorized protests by the outfit, alleged past violations, and claims that the group patronized Umar Khalid. The police denied using force or dragging protesters, stating that individuals were detained under Section 172(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) because they lacked permission to protest. The High Court took the affidavits on record and adjourned the hearing.

Separately, the Delhi High Court questioned the Delhi Police regarding the alleged confinement of an activist who filed a plea against a blanket ban on protests around Jantar Mantar and the New Delhi district. The petitioner alleged he was confined by police officers at a headquarters to prevent him from joining a peaceful protest, while the police maintained he was only stopped and not detained. Both matters involving protests and police actions remain pending before the respective courts.

Not yet reported: The articles do not report the final court judgments or whether compensation or disciplinary inquiries sought by the petitioners were granted.