sc-to-hear-pil-on-shifting-protests-from-jantar-mantar

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) questioning whether Delhi's Jantar Mantar should continue to serve as the designated venue for public protests, citing growing inconvenience to residents and disruption to the movement of essential supplies.

 

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued notices to the Centre and other respondents on the petition filed by Satish Chand Kaushik. The court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from the government and respond to the plea, which proposes alternative arrangements for demonstrations.

 

During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the petition raised important concerns regarding access and movement in the area.

 

"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 and disruption in the supply of medical essentials. I think this is important," the CJI said while directing the Centre to file its response.

 

The petition comes in the wake of prolonged protests at Jantar Mantar, including the month-long agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Thousands of students and their families had gathered at the site, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the examination process.

 

The petitioner's counsel also referred to a proposed march by Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal towards the Prime Minister's residence, urging the court to ensure that "another July 20 incident" is avoided. The Bench, however, declined to comment on the proposed protest.

 

"They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle it," the Chief Justice remarked.

 

The July 20 protest march by CJP supporters had turned violent, with police resorting to lathi-charge and tear gas, leaving several protesters injured. The agitation was eventually withdrawn on July 25 after the Centre accepted key demands, including the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The New Delhi Municipal Council later carried out a clean-up drive at the protest site.