Chandigarh: Security arrangements have been stepped up across Chandigarh following a call by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha to march towards and lay siege to the Punjab Governor’s House on Independence Day.
With the possibility of supporters arriving from neighbouring areas, Chandigarh Police have increased deployment at entry points and other sensitive locations. Barricades have been placed at several routes, while vehicles entering the city are being checked as part of the security arrangements.
The heightened security comes against the backdrop of proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where concerns were raised over the possible impact of the proposed protest on public order and movement within the city.
High Court stresses right to peaceful protest
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor observed that citizens have the right to express their views through peaceful demonstrations.
At the same time, the court made it clear that such a right cannot extend to activities that disturb law and order or result in damage to public property.
The court directed the Chandigarh administration and the Punjab government to take appropriate steps to ensure that the situation remains under control and that ordinary residents do not face unnecessary disruption.
Governor’s House and approach roads under watch
Security agencies are keeping a particular watch on roads and areas leading towards the Governor’s House.
Additional personnel have been deployed at major entry points into Chandigarh, with police teams screening vehicles and monitoring the movement of people. The security strategy is aimed at preventing a sudden build-up of protesters in sensitive areas.
Authorities are also keeping emergency routes and public movement in mind while planning the deployment.
PIL raises concerns over possible crowd movement
The PIL, filed by petitioner Vivek Singla, raised apprehensions that a large number of Morcha supporters could enter Chandigarh as part of the proposed demonstration.
The petition expressed concern that a large gathering near the Governor’s House could create traffic bottlenecks, affect the movement of emergency vehicles and potentially lead to a deterioration in the law-and-order situation.
Reference was also made to a recent incident in Ambala while seeking adequate security arrangements during the Independence Day period.
Administration asked to submit status report
The High Court has sought a status report from the Chandigarh administration and the Punjab government detailing the arrangements made in response to the proposed protest.
The report is expected to outline the steps taken to manage the gathering, protect public property and ensure that regular civic activity is not affected.
The matter will come up for hearing again on August 20, when the authorities are expected to place details of the arrangements and developments before the court.
Police maintain vigil during Independence Day events
For now, security personnel remain deployed across key locations in Chandigarh as Independence Day programmes are held in the city.
Officials have indicated that peaceful expression of views will be respected, while attempts to breach security arrangements, disturb public order or damage property could invite action.
The administration’s immediate challenge is therefore to balance the right to peaceful assembly with the need to keep Chandigarh’s roads, public spaces and critical installations secure during the Independence Day celebrations.
