The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned the Central government over the continued use of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, asking why it should not simply be shut down if repeated demonstrations were causing disruption in the city.
The observation came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the impact of protests in the area, with the Bench seeking the Centre’s stand on whether the venue continues to serve its intended purpose.
The court observed that authorities repeatedly face similar issues whenever large-scale protests take place at Jantar Mantar and asked the Centre to explain whether the site should continue functioning as Delhi’s primary venue for demonstrations.
Debate over balancing protest rights and public order
The High Court’s observations come amid an ongoing judicial debate over the suitability of Jantar Mantar as a protest venue.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court also sought responses from the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police on a separate PIL seeking identification of an alternative protest site, citing inadequate infrastructure and inconvenience to residents and commuters.
Jantar Mantar has long served as Delhi’s designated location for public demonstrations. However, recent large-scale protests have renewed questions over whether the site can continue accommodating such gatherings while balancing citizens’ fundamental right to peaceful protest with public convenience, security and access to essential services.
