India, Aug. 1 -- The Supreme Court has, through multiple judgments, affirmed the right to protest while imposing "reasonable restrictions" on its exercise in public spaces. The Court's rationale has been that the right to protest cannot be exercised at the expense of public order, with considerations such as the smooth flow of traffic weighing on the court's mind. As the Kanwar Yatra ended this year, the Delhi Police saw a surge in complaints on traffic congestion, excessive noise and disturbances well into the night over the span of a few days. There have been reports of hooliganism, aggression and violence by the kanwariyas.

There are few legal challenges to these acts or restrictions on the Kanwar Yatra. Religious practice, the reason...