Municipality workers clean the area at Jantar Mantar after CJP calls off the protest: The SC he plea contends that ongoing agitations at the historic site in the capital cause severe inconvenience to local residents and disrupt the distribution of essential commodities, including medical supplies. File photo
Jantar Mantar no longer suitable for protests? SC seeks Centre's response
Citing blocked medical supplies and severe resident gridlock after chaotic NEET-UG rallies, apex court demands a response from Centre on finding alternative protest sites
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) arguing that New Delhi's Jantar Mantar is no longer an appropriate venue for public demonstrations.
The plea contends that ongoing agitations at the historic site in the capital cause severe inconvenience to local residents and disrupt the distribution of essential commodities, including medical supplies.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued formal notices to the Central government and other respondents. The court directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions regarding the petition, which requests that alternative arrangements be made for public protests.
Key concerns raised
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasised that the petition raises valid logistical concerns regarding movement and access 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. Supply of medical essentials etc., I think this is important... Please take instructions, Mr Solicitor. Issue notice and list this separately," the Chief Justice noted.
The petitioner’s counsel also raised concerns over a planned political march, noting that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal had called for a town hall meeting and a subsequent march toward the Prime Minister's residence, urging that a repeat of past chaotic incidents be avoided.
Also read: How songs of resistance have bound protestors at Jantar Mantar with generations of past dissenters
While the bench declined to comment directly on the upcoming political event, the Chief Justice expressed confidence in local law enforcement, stating, "They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle it."
Recent mass demonstrations
The legal challenge comes in the wake of weeks of intense demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the site saw thousands of students and families gathering to protest systemic irregularities in national examinations.
The movement, spearheaded by prominent figures including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, and AISA's Noha Bora, demanded the education minister's resignation.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk undertook a prolonged hunger strike during the agitation, resulting in a severe deterioration of his health and subsequent hospitalisation.
A march toward Parliament turned chaotic, resulting in tear gas deployment, lathi-charges, and injuries to several demonstrators. The protests were eventually called off on July 25 following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the government's agreement to address the students' demands.
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