4. Can the police issue a notice of prohibition or a notice of objection merely because the public meeting or procession will likely cause inconvenience to the pubic?
No. As a general principle, any demonstration in a public place inevitably causes a certain level of disruption to ordinary life, including disruption of traffic, and it is important for the public authorities to show a certain degree of tolerance towards peaceful gatherings. Commissioner of Police may only prohibit the holding of any public meeting or procession where he reasonably considers such prohibition to be necessary in the interests of national security or public safety, public order or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Print
Email