Supreme Court Petition Challenges Protest Ban at Jantar Mantar.. Notices Issued to Centre

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought clarification from the Centre and Delhi Police on a petition challenging the decision to remove Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in the national capital, from the list of designated venues for demonstrations. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter and asked whether the decision had been taken independently by the authorities or was based on the court’s oral observations. According to the petition, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued an order on October 11, following recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry, removing Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue. Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Ground were identified as alternative locations. Advocate Swati Singh challenged the decision before the Supreme Court.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocates Mukta Gupta and Gopal Sankaranarayanan highlighted Jantar Mantar’s importance as a protest venue because of its proximity to government offices and key administrative institutions. They argued that the location enables citizens to communicate their concerns effectively to those in power and raised concerns about restrictions on the right to peaceful protest. The bench stated that it would examine the matter in greater detail after receiving official responses from the Centre and Delhi Police. It indicated that the significance of peaceful demonstrations and the suitability of alternative venues would be considered before an appropriate decision is taken.