Now Reading: Delhi HC questions Jantar Mantar protests, says city held to ransom
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Delhi HC questions Jantar Mantar protests, says city held to ransom
The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned why the capital should be "put to ransom" by protests at Jantar Mantar. Hearing a plea by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee,…
The Story in Brief
The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned why the capital should be "put to ransom" by protests at Jantar Mantar. Hearing a plea by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee, Justice Amit Mahajan orally observed that such demonstrations disrupt traffic, including ambulances. He directed Delhi Police to decide on the group's application for a peaceful protest on August 10 by Saturday. The court did not direct whether permission should be granted or denied, only that the decision be conveyed. The Supreme Court is separately considering a PIL that argues Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable protest venue and is exploring alternatives.
The petitioner, seeking inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Castes framework, expects about 75 people. The additional solicitor general noted prohibitory orders are in place ahead of Independence Day.
The Indian Opinion
The court's remark is being read by some as anti-protest, but that misses the point. Justice Mahajan did not bar anyone from demonstrating; he asked why one city must bear the brunt indefinitely. The real question is whether the state will offer a practical alternative and enforce it equitably. Watch for the police response Saturday: if they grant permission with a clear alternate venue, that will test whether the system can balance rights with public convenience without the usual inertia.
Sources (2): rediff.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
