'Police Does Not Get To Decide My Fundamental Rights': Vrinda Grover

In an interview, Senior Advocate Vrinda Grover criticized police crackdowns and administrative restrictions on public demonstrations, asserting that executive actions are undermining democratic rights. Emphasizing the constitutional protection of citizens, she stated, "Police does not get to decide my fundamental rights." Grover raised serious concerns over police excesses, questioning why peaceful gatherings in places like Central Park and Connaught Place are barred under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Pointing to past incidents, including the firing of pellet guns, she argued that inquiry committees have failed to instill restraint among enforcement agencies. She highlighted that journalists and citizens are facing arbitrary curbs while exercising basic liberties. Urging the judiciary to actively intervene, Grover affirmed, "It is the Supreme Court's cardinal duty to safeguard our fundamental rights and to ensure that we enjoy our freedoms to the fullest and arbitrary exercise of power is restrained." She insisted that peaceful protesters must not be treated as threats to public order.