The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Centre regarding a plea challenging the recent de-notification of Delhi’s iconic Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi cautioned that the law would take its course if the central government’s response proved unsatisfactory.
The order follows the administration’s decision on Monday to remove Jantar Mantar’s status as a protest site and reassign public demonstrations to three alternative locations: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground in North Delhi, and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, stated that the decision was based on recommendations from a Union Ministry of Home Affairs committee tasked with identifying alternative locations for peaceful assemblies.
The Delhi Police previously informed the Delhi High Court that the move aligned with directions from an October 9 Supreme Court observation calling for sites with improved facilities.
Issuing the notice while hearing petitions concerning public movement restrictions and police action against demonstrators, Justice Bagchi noted, “We are calling upon the State to respond.” The top court will hear the matter further after receiving the government’s official reply.
