The Supreme Court on Friday called for a rethink of Delhi’s decades-old practice of holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, suggesting that authorities identify a spacious alternative venue with proper amenities for peaceful protesters.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana noted that the capital requires a larger, better-equipped site.
The court emphasised that any new venue should feature essential facilities, including portable cabins, toilets, drinking water, and medical care, while ensuring public safety and emergency access. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed to convey the court’s observations to competent authorities.
The suggestion arose during a hearing challenging sweeping restrictions on metro and train services imposed ahead of planned Oct 10 protests by the Cockroach Janata Party. The bench urged the Centre and Delhi Police to ensure security measures remain proportionate without depriving commuters of essential public transport.
Jantar Mantar has served as Delhi’s primary protest hub since 1993, following the relocation of demonstrations from India Gate’s Boat Club. While the court declined to examine the merits of the Oct 10 demonstration, it reiterated that preventive security must balance civil liberties with public order.
