Delhi Police Withdraws Ban on Gatherings Amid Festive Season Concerns
In New Delhi, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the Delhi Police has retracted its order prohibiting large gatherings in the city. This decision was shared with a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud after a plea was filed challenging the restrictions. The plea, submitted by Sunil, a priest from Kalkaji Temple, argued that the ban would disrupt religious celebrations like Ram Leela and Durga Puja during the Dussehra and Navratri festivals.
The order, initially issued by the Delhi Police, restricted gatherings of five or more people from September 30 to October 5, citing security concerns. However, the petitioner argued that the order lacked a valid constitutional basis and would negatively impact traditional festivities and the daily lives of Delhi’s residents.
The plea highlighted that the order would affect celebrations in areas like New Delhi, North Delhi, and Central Delhi, and hinder citizens’ movement into the city. The petitioner criticized the police for not making adequate security arrangements for the known events and instead opting to restrict gatherings.
Meanwhile, AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the order as impractical, especially during the festive season.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi Police -: Delhi Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in the city of New Delhi, the capital of India.
Ban on Gatherings -: A ban on gatherings means that people are not allowed to come together in large groups, usually to prevent problems like overcrowding or to maintain safety.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India. It has the power to make important decisions on legal matters and can overrule decisions made by lower courts.
Sunil -: Sunil is a priest from Kalkaji Temple who filed a plea in the Supreme Court against the ban on gatherings.
Kalkaji Temple -: Kalkaji Temple is a famous Hindu temple in New Delhi dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is a popular place for worship, especially during festivals.
Dussehra -: Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India, marking the victory of good over evil. It usually involves large gatherings and celebrations.
Navratri -: Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts for nine nights, celebrating the goddess Durga. It involves fasting, dancing, and gatherings for prayers and festivities.
Constitutional Validity -: Constitutional validity refers to whether a law or order is in accordance with the Constitution of India, which is the supreme law of the country.
AAP -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in India. Saurabh Bharadwaj is a minister from this party.
Saurabh Bharadwaj -: Saurabh Bharadwaj is a minister from the Aam Aadmi Party who criticized the ban on gatherings as impractical during the festive season.