Tractor rally on Republic Day may 'embarrass nation': Delhi Police to SC

The Delhi Police has moved the Supreme Court seeking to block the proposed tractor rally planned by farmers' unions on January 26 to disrupt the Republic Day parade.

In its application, the Delhi Police contended that a tractor rally on Republic Day could cause law and order issues.
 

Besides, such an act may prove embarrassing for the nation, the Delhi Police stated.
 

The new plea has been added to the earlier petition seeking removal of farmers from the borders of the national capital.

The plea states, "Right to protest is always subject to the countervailing public order and the public interest. The right to protest can never include maligning the nation globally. It is submitted that a few days back, the organisations/individuals protesting at various entry points of Delhi have conducted a tractor/trolley march."

"It is submitted that the Republic Day function on January 26 each year has its own constitutional as well as historical significance. The January 26 Republic Day ceremony is not an isolated standalone ceremony rather a grand rehearsal takes place on January 23 where everything which is to happen on January 26 of each year is rehearsed," the application said.
 

"Any disruption or obstruction in the said functions would not only be against the law and order, public order, public interest but would also be a huge embarrassment for the nation," it said.