Mediators appointed to engage with Shaheen Bagh protesters on venue change
EP File Photo
New Delhi: Expressing concern over the more than two-month long blockade of a public road near Shaheen Bagh here, the Supreme Court on Monday appointed two advocates and a former bureaucrat to engage with the anti-CAA protesters for shifting the venue of the protest.
The court chose senior advocates Sanjay Hegde and Sadhna Ramchandran and former bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah to talk to the Citizenship Amendment Act protesters blocking the 13A road that is a crucial link between Delhi and Noida, and find an alternative protest location.
During the hearing in the top court, Centre said there is complete blockade and showed pictures of the same, adding that the protesters kept children and women in front as a shield.
“Right to protest is a fundamental right. What is the alternative area they can continue the protests without blocking the road?” the Court said adding that it is hopeful that some reason will prevail over protesters.
The apex court queried what is the alternative area for the protesters to continue their protest.
Next hearing on the matter is scheduled on February 24.
During the hearing Centre also objected to Bhim Army chief Chandershekhar Azad’s involvement in engaging with protesters at Shaheen Bagh. The apex court agreed to the Centre’s suggestion.
Hundreds of people have been protesting at south Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh for over two months leading to commuters distress as the main link road between Delhi and Noida is blocked creating a number of bottlenecks.
IANS
