Is Jantar Mantar unsuitable for demonstrations? SC demands centre’s stance
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Central Government to consider finding a new location instead of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for protests and demonstrations. Calling it an “important issue,” the top court said it is ready to look into the matter.
A court bench led by Chief Justice of India, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was listening to a petition filed by Satish Chand Kaushik. The petition says Jantar Mantar is no longer a good place for protests because large crowds block roads, disturb daily life, and cut off essential services for local residents.
Why the petition asks for a change
The petition asked for a different location to hold protests in the national capital. The petitioner pointed out that Jantar Mantar was “designated in an earlier era for limited, identifiable and manageable demonstrations.”
The plea stated, “Today, digitally mobilised movements can transform a few hundred persons into several thousand within hours, without a reliable command structure, verified organisers or an enforceable estimate of attendance”.
Because Jantar Mantar is close to Parliament, Central Vista, and key government offices, the petition suggested moving major protests to a bigger and safer location, such as Ramlila Maidan.
“It has been stated in the plea that Jantar Mantar is not a proper site anymore for such protests due to ingress and egress issues,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said. “Supply of medical essentials etc. I think this is important… Please take instructions, Mr Solicitor. Issue notice and list this separately,” he added.
Concerns over planned marches
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer mentioned an upcoming political march called by AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal. The lawyer asked the court to make sure a situation like the July 20 incident is avoided. On July 20, a protest march named ‘Chalo Sansad’ by a political group called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led to police lathi charging the crowd.
The lawyer pointed out that “Arvind Kejriwal called a town hall and decided to march to the Prime Minister’s residence,” adding that “another July 20 incident should be avoided.” The court declined to give specific directions on the planned event, expressing confidence that local authorities can manage it.
The CJI said, “They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle (it)”. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that he would speak with the government and bring back their reply. The Supreme Court will hear the matter separately.
Curated by- Ramansh Dhadwal