#Right to Assembly

The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that authorities must dispose of requests for public assembly permissions within two days, emphasizing that undue delays violate constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), and 21. The judgment reinforces the state's obligation to facilitate, not obstruct, democratic dissent through timely administrative action.

Calcutta High Court ruled that bureaucratic delays and offering non-equivalent alternative venues violate the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b). The court directed authorities to permit a sit-in demonstration at Hazra More, emphasizing that constitutional rights cannot be diluted by procedural inaction or arbitrary alternatives.

Madras HC quashes an administrative order denying permission for a hall meeting during elections, ruling that non-speaking orders restricting assembly rights under Article 19(1)(a) and (b) are unlawful. The Court directs reconsideration of the application, reinforcing that administrative silence cannot justify restrictions on fundamental rights.

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.

Madras High Court quashes a police order rejecting permission for a political conference, ruling that arbitrary denial without affording a hearing or providing reasoned grounds infringes the fundamental right to peaceful assembly. The court emphasizes that public order concerns must be addressed through mitigation measures, not outright prohibition, setting a precedent for procedural fairness in police discretion.

Andhra Pradesh High Court upholds right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b), ruling that pending criminal cases do not justify blanket denial of public meetings.