New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday observed that peaceful and lawful protest is a fundamental constitutional right, stating that police cannot resort to lathicharge merely because people are agitating. The remarks came while hearing petitions related to the July 20 student protests.

The court said police excesses must be investigated and indicated it may consider framing nationwide guidelines on how law enforcement should deal with peaceful demonstrations. It also questioned governments over the lack of adequate protective gear for injured police personnel.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant was hearing petitions seeking an independent probe into the alleged use of tear gas, batons and excessive force during the students' "Sansad Chalo" march to Parliament. The matter will be heard further on Tuesday.

The July 20 protests sparked nationwide demonstrations and political controversy. The agitation ended on Saturday after the government accepted key demands of the protesters and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post.

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