NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court today decided to examine the issue whether people holding constitutional posts have the right to protest against the Government.
The apex court granted six-week time to the respondents to reply to two PILs, filed by M L Sharma and Rajaraman.
A bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and Shiva Kirti Singh issued notices to the Centre, the Delhi Government and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The apex court, however, refused to entertain the prayer for criminal action against Mr Kejriwal, his Law Minister Somnath Bharti and other colleagues who held two-day-long dharna at the Rail Bhavan demanding suspension of five Delhi police officials for their inaction against alleged criminals in their areas till the completion of judicial inquiry ordered by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.
The petitioners contended that the persons holding constitutional posts have no rights to protest against the Government.
The apex court will now examine the very important issue whether a person holding a constitutional post can deprived of his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression as a citizen of the country.
The court, however, declined to consider the issue of criminal action against Mr Kejriwal and his team in view of the judicial inquiry ordered by Mr Jung and the criminal investigation by the Delhi police which is under way. The Judge to hold judicial inquiry is yet to be named. (AGENCIES)
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