India’s public spaces tell the story of its democracy. 

Streets become stages for wedding processions, political campaigns, religious festivals and cultural celebrations. 

Traffic slows as wedding guests dance through city roads. Election rallies bring long convoys and roadshows that can occupy entire neighbourhoods for hours. Festival processions draw thousands into public spaces, often requiring extensive traffic diversions and police deployment.

Most Indians accept these disruptions as part of a diverse and vibrant society. They see them as expressions of faith, culture, community and democratic participation.

A different standard often emerges, however, when Muslims gather for Friday prayers or Eid congregations in open spaces.

The debate usually begins with concerns about traffic, public inconvenience or the use of common areas. Such concerns deserve consideration. 

Every large gathering in a densely populated country creates logistical challenges. Public authorities have a responsibility to manage crowds, maintain order and minimize disruption to daily life.

Fair regulation, however, depends on consistency. 

Questions arise when one type of gathering faces intense scrutiny while........

© Kashmir Observer