Supreme Court urges police restraint, counseling in protests

The Supreme Court emphasized on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, that listening, counseling, and police restraint are the most effective tools for handling student protests, cautioning that an aggressive state response risks escalating violence. The observations came as a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant agreed to hear a petition seeking action against organizers of the "Sansad Chalo" march held on July 20.

The petition, filed by retired Air Force officer Maneesh Kumar Solanki, alleges that leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) incited violence during the protest and have continued to make provocative statements. Advocate Rizwan Ahmed, representing the petitioner, argued that organizers must be held accountable for any violence or disorder, warning that failing to do so would set a dangerous precedent. He contended that allowing protests to proceed without permission toward Parliament, which he described as the "temple of democracy," raised serious security concerns.

In response, Chief Justice Kant stressed a different priority. He stated that even if some misguided elements resort to violence like stone-pelting, the primary response should be to counsel and pacify young...