Bombay HC: Peaceful Protest Is Right, But Protesters' Credentials Matter

The Bombay High Court observed that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, factors like public inconvenience and protesters' credentials must be weighed before restricting police action.

A Bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna directed the Maharashtra government to respond to petitions alleging illegal detentions during recent anti-CEC demonstrations.

The court cautioned that individuals with criminal antecedents should not be allowed to participate in agitations under the guise of innocent civilians, scheduling the next hearing for November 19, 2026.