Thread by @utkarsh_aanand

Petitions against #ShaheenBaghProtests: #SupremeCourt: Judges observe that the question is where can they protest? Can they protest on streets? We aren't saying people don't have a right to protest even when the law is under challenge before this court but where to protest?

"If everybody starts blocking roads even when they have genuine grievances, where will that take us," says Justice SK Kaul.
"Our concern is limited. This is today one section of people, tomorrow there can be another section on a different situations. Everybody will be on roads."

This will create chaos, remarks the #SupremeCourt while asserting that roads can't be blocked howsoever genuine grievances are. As former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah seeks an audience too, judges ask him why doesn't he persuade the #ShaheenBaghProtesters.

SG Tushar Mehta: Even ambulances aren't being allowed. There are huge problems being faced by the commuters. Women & children are being put up as shields there. We have been trying to reach out but the entire city has been held to a hostage under the garb of protests.

#SupremeCourt asks senior lawyer Sanjay Hegde to speak to the protesters as an interlocutor. Courts says reasons must prevail on the other side too (#ShaheenBagh protesters). It adds that Hegde should be able to play a constructive role in persuading protesters.

Advocate Sadhna Ramachandran is also asked by the #SupremeCourt to meet the protesters & persuade them. The judges say they are hopeful protesters will see the reason.

SG Tushar Mehta: Let a message not go that police is on its knees before them.

Justice Joseph: The you could have taken steps even before this matter was here. Why didn't you act in last 68 days?

"We will leave it to the authorities if our endeavour doesn't borne any results."

#SupremeCourt suggests #DelhiPolice may also offer an alternative site to the protesters at #ShaheenBagh. While SG Mehta says protesters can't continue blocking roads on ground of not getting an alternative site, judges say authorities should favourably consider this.