Protest Restrictions and Preventive Detention in New Delhi

A recent demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar led to widespread police detentions and friction over public order versus the right to free assembly. Critics argue that preventive detentions infringe upon democratic freedoms and stifle legitimate dissent against election authorities. Conversely, officials maintain that such measures are necessary to manage traffic and ensure public safety during large gatherings. Where should the line be drawn between maintaining public order and preserving the right to peacefully assemble?