In Brief
A film society and its member filed a writ petition seeking directions to implement Supreme Court guidelines on preventing destruction of public and private property during violent protests, specifically targeting mob violence against film exhibitions. The petitioners sought compensation mechanisms and stricter action against protest organizers and instigators. The Court held that while existing guidelines were comprehensive, implementation was incomplete. It adopted interim measures from the Tehseen Poonawalla judgment on mob violence, including designating Nodal Officers in districts, establishing compensation tribunals with absolute liability principles, requiring video evidence, and imposing strict accountability on police and protest leaders. The Court emphasized that violent mob actions against lawful cultural activities violate constitutional freedom of expression and rule of law, and ordered these measures implemented within eight weeks.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.