Prior permission mandatory for protests and rallies, says Ranchi Deputy Commissioner

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Security personnel try to control the situation after a clash between members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers during an effigy-burning protest against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the Jharkhand High Court’s stay order on the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, at Albert Ekka Chowk, in Ranchi on August 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Following student protests regarding the ongoing Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) issues, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri on Sunday (August 23, 2026) issued detailed guidelines for protests and rallies, making it mandatory to obtain prior permission from the competent authority.

Posting on the social media platform X, Mr. Bhajantri said, “It is often observed that various sit-ins, protests, encirclements, processions, rallies, and public meetings are being organised at different locations, where sometimes the administration is not provided with prior necessary information. Due to such events, not only law and order and public safety but also traffic arrangements can be affected, causing difficulties in commuting for ordinary citizens”.

He further wrote, “The Supreme Court has clarified in various judgments that peaceful sit-ins and protest demonstrations are part of the constitutional rights of citizens. However, the exercise of this right must be subject to applicable laws and valid directives issued by competent authorities, keeping in mind public order, public safety, traffic, and the rights of other citizens. Regarding sit-ins, protests, processions, rallies, and public meetings organised at public places, it is necessary to follow the procedure prescribed by the competent authority, the Sub-Divisional Officer, Ranchi Sadar/Bundu”.

The Deputy Commissioner added that for such events, it will be mandatory for the organisers to obtain permission in advance under the prescribed procedure.

“The organisers are appealed to provide the necessary information regarding the proposed programme to the administration in a timely manner. It will be necessary to provide information related to the proposed route, the date of the event, the start and end time, and the expected number of participants. Information about key individuals participating in the programme,” the Ranchi DC wrote.

Mr.