Now Reading: Delhi HC questions why Jantar Mantar kept as protest site
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Delhi HC questions why Jantar Mantar kept as protest site
The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned why Jantar Mantar remains the designated protest site, orally remarking that the city should not be 'put to ransom' by demonstrations. Hearing a plea by…
The Story in Brief
The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned why Jantar Mantar remains the designated protest site, orally remarking that the city should not be 'put to ransom' by demonstrations. Hearing a plea by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee for permission to protest on August 10, Justice Amit Mahajan said personally, protests should not happen inside the city. The court directed Delhi Police to decide on the application by Saturday. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma noted that prohibitory orders are in place ahead of Independence Day and that the Supreme Court is already examining an alternative protest site. The petitioner's counsel said only 75 people were expected and they would accept an alternative venue. The Supreme Court on August 3 agreed to hear a PIL contending that Jantar Mantar is no longer suitable due to inconvenience to residents.
The Indian Opinion
The High Court's remark is not a ban but a question for the government. The narrative that the judiciary is curbing the right to protest is overstated; the court itself directed police to decide the application. Equally, the idea that protests must be banished from the city ignores the fundamental right. The real test is whether the Supreme Court and the government can identify a practical alternative site that balances all interests. Until then, Jantar Mantar remains a symbol of both rights and inconvenience.
Sources (3): siasat.com, nationalheraldindia.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
