'Public places can't be occupied indefinitely': SC on Shaheen Bagh

In a crucial ruling on the scope and limitations of protest in the context of the Shaheen Bagh dharna, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that public places cannot be occupied indefinitely for protests. Calling occupation of a public place "unacceptable", the top court said that it is the responsibility of the administration to keep any area clear of encroachments and obstructions. The court left it to the administration to decide on the manner of action. The court order came on a batch of petitions against the Shaheen Bagh protests earlier this year. Women had sat on a key Delhi road for over three months to protest against CAA-NRC.