Mains issueGS-2Editorials02 November 2026

The Right to Protest, State Power, and Democratic Governance

An aspirant should be able to articulate the constitutional basis and significance of the right to protest, analyze the complex balance between this right and state power to maintain public order, and critically evaluate the implications of state responses to protests for democratic governance and civil liberties.

Source: indianexpress.comOriginal report

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Why now

Recent widespread protests in France against government policies have brought to the forefront the critical issue of the state's response to dissent and the perceived erosion of the fundamental right to protest, making it a timely discussion on democratic values globally.

Core issue

The article analyzes recent widespread protests in France, highlighting that beyond specific policy grievances (such as pension reforms), the demonstrations increasingly reflect a struggle for the preservation of the fundamental right to protest itself. It underscores concerns over the state's response, including police tactics and potential legislative measures that may restrict civil liberties, thereby bringing to the forefront the tension between maintaining public order and safeguarding democratic dissent.

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