RIGHT TO PROTEST V. PUBLIC ORDER: CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON STATE ACTION

The careful balance between peaceful dissent and general peace is a basic element of any strong democracy. In India the right to express disagreement by means of public meetings often comes into conflict with the state's duty to maintain social equilibrium. Although public demonstrations act as an important safety valve for addressing grievances, public order forms the foundation upon which all civil liberties are built. Looking at this situation from the point of view of constitutional limits and the legal principle of proportionality shows how rights and state powers remain carefully balanced.