The Mumbai Police on Monday (August 11) told the Bombay High Court that it would permit the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] to hold a peaceful assembly at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai on August 20.

The protest is intended to voice concerns over the alleged genocide in Gaza.

The assurance came during the hearing of a petition filed by the CPI(M) challenging the police’s earlier refusal to allow the demonstration, which was denied on grounds of potential law and order issues.

Public prosecutor S.V. Gavand informed the court that the gathering could be held under strict conditions, following which the party’s counsel, senior advocate Mihir Desai, said the protest would take place between 3 pm and 6 pm.

A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad sought assurances against any inflammatory speeches or disruptions. Desai assured the court that the assembly would remain peaceful and fully comply with the draft regulations for public meetings, agitations, and processions proposed under the Maharashtra Police Act.

Under these draft rules, such events can only be held in designated areas of Azad Maidan, and organisers are responsible for ensuring they remain peaceful and do not disturb public order.

The petition arose after the police initially refused permission for the protest, reportedly viewing it as a challenge to India’s foreign policy.

The CPI(M) argued that citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate at approved locations, even on issues that may diverge from government positions. Desai stressed that while the protest would highlight the situation in Gaza, it would not breach public peace.

The case follows a July 25 order in which the High Court dismissed an earlier CPI(M) petition and criticised the party for prioritising international issues over domestic ones.

“You are looking at Gaza and Palestine. Look at your own country. Be patriots,” the bench had observed at the time.