India, Oct. 12 -- The unprecedented crackdown on a planned protest against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has turned Delhi into a virtual fortress and raised three sets of questions.

The first is around the measures taken to ensure a peaceful protest. The Constitution's imposition of reasonable restrictions on fundamental rights assumes that authorities will not use their powers arbitrarily, balance them against rights, and only do what's necessary to stave off violence. Even where legislation authorises arrest or detention, authorities are expected to act within limits and comply with applicable constitutional safeguards. But the closure of 57 metro stations - reduced to 45 after a Supreme Court rap - the cancellation of long...