'Can't Presume Anything Untoward Will Happen' : Supreme Court Refuses Urgent Intervention Against CJP's... - Live Law

**Supreme Court Declines to Impose Injunction on Chief Justice of India’s Planned Protest March**

New Delhi – In a split‑decision on Monday, a five‑judge bench of the Supreme Court refused to grant an urgent injunction that would have barred the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from leading a public march slated for 5 September in the capital. Petitioners, comprising several civil‑society groups, argued that the march – organized by the CJI’s office to highlight concerns over recent judicial appointments and perceived encroachments on the independence of the judiciary – could inflame public sentiment and jeopardise law‑and‑order. The bench, however, ruled that the petitioners had not demonstrated any “compelling circumstance” that would justify pre‑emptive restriction of a peaceful assembly, stating, “We cannot presume anything untoward will happen.”

The court’s order underscored confidence in the capacity of the Delhi police and other law‑enforcement agencies to maintain order should the demonstration occur. “The authorities are expected to act in a responsible manner and ensure that the march remains peaceful,” the judgment read, echoing similar observations made by the *Hindu* and *The Times of India*. The decision aligns with the judiciary’s longstanding principle that the right to peaceful protest, protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, cannot be curtailed absent a clear and imminent threat to public safety. No immediate injunction was issued, but the court directed the police to submit a detailed operational plan within a week, emphasizing the need for preparedness.

Reactions to the ruling were mixed. While the bar association welcomed the decision as a reaffirmation of democratic freedoms, some political commentators expressed concern that a high‑profile march led by the nation’s top jurist could exacerbate already‑tense relations between the judiciary and the executive. The CJI’s office, in a brief statement, reiterated its commitment to a non‑violent protest and urged all participants to respect traffic rules and public order. As the date approaches, authorities have announced heightened security measures, including the deployment of additional personnel along the proposed route and the installation of CCTV surveillance to deter any potential disorder.