New Delhi, Aug 05 : The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the relocation of protest activities from Jantar Mantar, with the petitioner arguing that the site is no longer suitable for demonstrations due to increasing inconvenience to residents and disruption of public services.
A Bench headed by the Chief Justice issued notices to the Union government and other concerned authorities, asking them to respond to the plea. The court also requested the Solicitor General to obtain instructions from the relevant departments before the next hearing.
The petition contends that frequent protests at Jantar Mantar have led to traffic congestion, restricted movement, noise pollution and interruptions to emergency and civic services in the surrounding areas. It urges the authorities to identify an alternative location that balances citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest with the interests of local residents.
The plea argues that while peaceful assembly remains a fundamental democratic right, designated protest spaces should not adversely affect public convenience or essential infrastructure. It seeks a comprehensive review of existing arrangements and the formulation of updated guidelines for organising demonstrations in the national capital.
During the preliminary hearing, the apex court observed that the matter raises issues requiring consideration and sought responses from the Centre and other stakeholders before proceeding further.
The case is expected to examine whether the present framework governing protests at Jantar Mantar adequately balances the right to dissent with public order and urban management. The outcome could influence future policies regarding designated protest venues in Delhi and other metropolitan cities.
