Lathicharge not for intimidating protesters, online posts can be removed: Sidharth Luthra

The Delhi Police has asked social media platforms to remove objectionable videos and posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which were allegedly shared during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar. The police also stated it had withdrawn 15 FIRs filed in relation to the protests. In an interview with The Indian Express, Senior Advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India Sidharth Luthra, who has represented several state machineries, including the Delhi Police, explains the use of legal provisions in such takedowns. Crucially, he says lathicharge can never be a means to intimidate or traumatise people, but only to ensure law and order is maintained. Edited excerpts:Can such a takedown notice violate the freedom of expression or the rights of pe