Mind the gap: Policing lessons from London

On November 11, 2023, London witnessed one of the largest processions in recent times. This was in support of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The event unfortunately acquired an anti-Semitic colour.

- RK Raghavan

 

The Metropolitan Police (Met), despite the risks involved, had permitted the event and thrown in more than 1,000 of its personnel to ensure there was no untoward happening. It was estimated that about 300,000 people took part in this march. Barring a few minor clashes between the police and the crowd, the demonstration passed off peacefully. The police are now looking for a few demonstrators who carried provocative placards evoking strong reactions from sections of the British public.

The occasion culminated in a debate on law and order management in democracies. There are two points of view here. One stands for a total ban on public processions in the interest of public peace. The other believes that a blanket prohibition of processions is antithetical to democracy. I stand for a blend of the two approaches. This is, no doubt, tightrope walking indeed.

A balanced and enlightened mind combined with an ability to communicate on the part of the top brass in government and the police ranks should achieve this blend. No one in the seat of power can arrogate to himself the right to quell dissent. But he has, at the same time, the duty to come down heavily on anyone abusing the right to free speech.