Delhi HC Questions Jantar Mantar Protest Site (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned whether Jantar Mantar should continue as a designated protest site, observing that repeated demonstrations in the heart of the national capital could disrupt public life.
The remarks came during the hearing of a petition seeking permission for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, against the backdrop of recent large-scale student demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged NEET paper leak irregularities.
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Justice Amit Mahajan questioned the Centre’s decision to continue allowing protests at Jantar Mantar despite concerns over traffic disruptions and inconvenience to residents.
“Why don’t you shut it down? According to me, these things should not happen in the city, but it is the government’s call. Why should the city be put to ransom unnecessarily?” the court observed. The court said that while citizens have the right to protest, maintaining normal life in the capital is also important.
The observations were made while hearing a petition filed by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee (AIDCRPC) seeking permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on August 10.
The organisation plans to hold a three-hour peaceful protest demanding the inclusion of Dalit Christians within the Scheduled Castes category. Senior Advocate Sanjoy Ghose, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that around 75 people were expected to participate and requested directions to Delhi Police to decide on the pending permission application.
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Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the government, opposed the plea and said organisers had not obtained required no-objection certificates from relevant authorities. He also informed the court that the Supreme Court is examining the issue of whether Jantar Mantar should continue as a permanent protest location.
The government further pointed out that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are currently in place due to Independence Day security arrangements. “When this 75 becomes 75 thousand, we don’t know,” the ASG told the court while highlighting concerns over crowd management.
