Rights of citizens and the etiquette of public protests

‘Don't underestimate the power of the common man.’

- Shashi Shekhar

These words were spoken by the character played by Shah Rukh Khan in the film Chennai Express. While watching the film, I wondered why the common person's power is visible only during elections, religious functions and marriage celebrations.Why do they not speak up on other occasions? I got my answer from a woman from Mumbai last week.

Last Wednesday, the BJP was staging a public protest against the defeat of the Nari Shakti Vandan (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. The local police were informed in advance, and despite adequate police presence, the gathering caused a traffic jam. People who resented being stuck in traffic were pleasantly surprised by a woman who confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan, who was at the protest. She also lashed out at the police. She has been christened as “shouting woman” or “Worli commuter”. Many have lent their support to her. A prominent industrialist and chairman of RPG Group, Harsh Goenka, wrote: “This woman said what millions of us feel. Stop obstructing the roads for political agendas.”