Peaceful protest assembly expressing dissent without violence justifies quashing FIR under IPC Sections 143, 269, 270.

ORDER

The present petition has been filed by the accused No.36 in crime No.12 of 2022 on the file of the first respondent police seeking to quash the F.I.R. wherein the petitioner is alleged to have committed offences under Sections

143, 269 and 270 of IPC.

2. A perusal of the F.I.R. reveals that the petitioner along with 44 other accused persons, have unlawfully assembled before the Pavoorchatram Bus Stand and raised slogans as against the State Government of Punjab for not providing adequate protection to the Hon'ble Prime Minister. The petitioner has been charged for violating the COVID-19 protocol.

3. Considering the fact that the petitioner and others have assembled only to express their dissent, in a democratic manner and especially when no violence has been happened pursuant to their unlawful assembly, this Court does not find any reason to direct the police officials to continue with the investigation.

4. In view of the above said facts, F.I.R. in crime No.12 of 2022, shall stand quashed not only with regard to the petitioner but also with regard to all other accused persons in the said crime number.

5. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition stands allowed not only in favour of the petitioner herein but also in favour of all other accused persons who are arrayed as the accused in crime No.12 of 2022 on the file of the first respondent Police station. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is also closed. 18.03.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To