TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 199

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 199

Q1. Should the government restrict public transport and movement to prevent disturbances during political protests?

Answer: Sir/Ma'am, the government has a responsibility to maintain public order, but it must also protect citizens' constitutional freedoms. Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions. Closing transport services across large areas may affect students, workers, patients and people who are not participating in protests. Therefore, restrictions should be based on specific security risks and should be necessary, proportionate and temporary. The administration should prefer targeted policing, designated protest areas and public communication. My view is that democratic strength is demonstrated by the ability to maintain security while protecting peaceful disagreement.

Q2. Why should protecting voters be more important than protecting the interests of political parties?