JAAC: Protest or Disservice? |
The much-discussed constitutional right to protest needs to be understood with greater clarity.
The right of peaceful protest is universally considered an essential part of fundamental Human Rights. However, looking upon the practical manifestation of this particular right more deliberately in the backdrop of a few unpleasant incidents, some bitter facts reveal sheer misuse and exploitation on the part of the leadership calling the shots in any protest.
Violent protest is a clear violation of constitutional rights, as democratic constitutions exclusively protect the right to peaceful assembly, not rioting or destruction. It all depends upon the intentions of the group of organisers or leadership involved in staging a protest.
As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words”; categorisation of any protest activity cannot be made merely on the basis of ‘slogans and lofty claims’. Overall impact of protest on the society should be weighed on the scales of peaceful manifestation, validity of demands, fairness of means, public support and above all,........