Chandigarh, Aug. 15 -- The Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) on Friday said that in a democracy, citizens have a fundamental right to assemble and express their views through peaceful protest. However, where a protest ceases to be peaceful, turns violent, or poses a threat to public safety, the competent authorities are duty-bound to take appropriate preventive and remedial measures in accordance with law to ensure the maintenance of public peace, order, and security, it added.

The court's observation came in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Chandigarh resident and lawyer, Vivek Singla, who had sought court's intervention against Qaumi Insaaf Morcha's call to march towards governor's house on Independence Day.

"We hope and...