NEW DELHI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- India's apex court has lifted the complete ban on holding peaceful protests at "Jantar Mantar", a place near to the Indian government's seat, and directed the union government to define guidelines for granting permission to protesters.
In its observations on Monday, the Supreme Court of India said that a "complete ban" on holding protests was unacceptable in Indian democracy, and that peaceful protests should also be allowed at "Boat Club", next to historical monument "India Gate".
Ban on protests at Jantar Mantar was imposed last year by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), saying that such protests led to noise pollution in the city as the protesters used loud speakers to make speeches.
A petition asking for such a ban also appealed before the NGT that such protests led to chaos and filth in the area as protesters stayed there for days under the open sky on the streets and pavements.
Striking down NGT's ruling, the apex court bench observed that there was a need for striking a balance between conflicting rights such as right to protest and right of citizens to live peacefully.
"There cannot be a complete ban on holding protests at places like Jantar Mantar and Boat Club," the bench said while directing the central government to frame guidelines on the matter.
The bench gave this ruling while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the decision of the NGT, which had banned all kinds of protests.