NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court-appointed interlocutors met Shaheen Bagh protestors on Thursday in their second visit to the site where people have been on a sit-in since the last two months against the amended citizenship act.
Advocates Sanjay Hedge and Sadhana Ramachandran, the interlocutors, were not willing to start the discussion in the presence of media. The protestors tried to convince them that they want to represent their issues before the media, but the journalists were later asked to leave. Ramachandran began addressing the protestors saying, “Aapne bulaya hum chale aaye (You called us and we are here)”.
On Monday, the Supreme Court observed that the blockade of the road at Shaheen Bagh was “troubling” and suggested the protesters go to another site where no public place would be blocked. It, however, upheld their right to protest. The apex court also asked Hegde to “play a constructive role as an interlocutor” to persuade the protesters to move to an alternative site. It said the interlocutors could seek former bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah’s assistance. Hegde said the apex court has recognised their right to protest.
“When Shaheen Bagh has become an example of protests in India, let us set an example of a protest that does not disturb anybody. You all must be rest assured that we are here to fight for you. Don’t think if you change your spot, your fight will die down,” Hegde told the protestors. The senior lawyer said, “We have seen many prime ministers come and go. Whoever comes in power and runs the country, sometimes some could be right and some could be wrong. Whatever you are saying the whole country is listening and also the PM.” The protestors have been demanding repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Ramchandran said she was “really waiting” for that day when the “country’s atmosphere will change”.
An elderly man also expressed his fear about his children’s security. “I am very scared… I am very scared for my children. Madam save me,” he said. When Ramchandran asked him more about his fear, the man replied, “I am a single father. I will die and go but my children should get to live here with authority. My girls go to school where they are being told that you will go out of the country.” Ramchandran told protestors not to cry and speak openly.
Fresh notice to Centre
The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response of the Centre on a batch of fresh pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, filed by 15 petitioners including Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen, Anjuman Trust and Dakshin Kerala Jameeyathul Ulema.
A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, issued notice to the Centre and others on a batch of 15 pleas and tagged them along with over 150 petitions challenging the CAA. The pleas may come up for hearing in March. (Agencies)
