The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to respond to a public interest petition seeking to declare Delhi’s Jantar Mantar area as unsafe for holding protests and to earmark an alternative venue.
The matter came up before a bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant. The petition pointed to Jantar Mantar’s history as a major protest site, including movements such as Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption agitation, the 2012 Nirbhaya case protests, the 2023 wrestlers’ protest and a recent agitation over the NEET examination.
Arguing for the petitioner, counsel said the area has narrow entry and exit points, leading to congestion when large crowds gather. The lawyer also raised concerns that such crowding can hinder emergency medical assistance, and referred to a recent clash during a students’ protest.
After hearing the submissions, the bench said the concerns about access routes and emergency medical support were significant. It directed that notices be issued to the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police Commissioner, and said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta should obtain appropriate clarifications from the authorities.
On the petitioner’s reference to a call for a march towards the Prime Minister’s residence by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Justice said maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the authorities, and that the court can be approached if they fail to do so.
