"What If Common Man Does This": Supreme Court Questions Political Protests

Justice Prashant Kumar went on to draw an intriguing parallel by asking, "What if an ordinary citizen had carried out a similar protest?"

The Supreme Court has raised questions on the legality of protests led by politicians, particularly highlighting the recent case involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders in New Delhi. The court today stayed the proceedings against them related to a protest march conducted in the state back in 2022.

A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra issued a notice to the Karnataka government and the complainant in the case, signaling a careful examination of the legal aspects surrounding the protest.

Justice Prashant Kumar went on to draw an intriguing parallel by asking, "What if an ordinary citizen had carried out a similar protest? Would the criminal case be dismissed in that scenario as well?" Justice Kumar pointed out that the court was also referencing decisions where politicians were involved, raising concerns about the impartiality of the legal system.