Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre Over Suitability of Jantar Mantar for Protests

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the central government to consider a public interest litigation (PIL) arguing that Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable site for public protests. A three judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that the plea raising concerns over ingress and egress issues and the supply of medical essentials is important. The court has asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from the government regarding the request for an alternative protest venue. The petitioner, Satish Chand Kaushik, suggested that a larger and more secure ground, such as Ramlila Maidan, should be designated as the principal venue to avoid traffic snarls and security risks in central Delhi. During the proceedings, the court also addressed concerns regarding a proposed march by the Aam Aadmi Party to the Prime Minister's residence, with the Chief Justice stating that authorities would handle the event appropriately. Separately, the court agreed to examine a plea seeking accountability for the organizers of a July 20 Parliament march related to the NEET question paper leak. This protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, resulted in clashes with Delhi Police involving tear gas and lathi charges. A retired Indian Air Force officer appearing in that matter urged the court to implement a uniform national policy for arrests and suggested that young protesters using derogatory language be sentenced to community service instead of facing FIRs.