#reasonable restrictions

The Bombay HC (Nagpur Bench) struck down the denial of a procession permit for Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, ruling that speculative fears of unrest and police shortages are insufficient to override the fundamental right to peaceful assembly. This sets a critical precedent for cultural and commemorative processions nationwide, affirming that authorities must articulate concrete, evidence-based threats-not generic apprehensions-to restrict constitutional rights.

Madurai HC quashes police order denying permission for a temple cultural programme, ruling that freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) extends to traditional festivals. The court mandates that restrictions must be reasonable, evidence-based, and non-arbitrary, setting a precedent for protecting cultural rights against administrative overreach.