• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Supreme Court agrees to hear PIL on Jantar Mantar.
  2. Plea argues site causes inconvenience, disrupts services.
  3. Court seeks Centre's response on alternative protest venues.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) contending that Delhi's Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable venue for protests, as such demonstrations cause significant inconvenience to local residents and disrupt the supply of essential goods and services.

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Supreme Court Issues Notice To Centre

A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana issued notices to the Centre and others on a plea filed by Satish Chand Kaushik. The bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions regarding the PIL, which seeks alternative arrangements for public demonstrations.

Emphasising the issue during the hearing, the Chief Justice said that the petition raises concerns regarding access and movement in the area.

'Jantar Mantar Not A Proper Protest Site'

"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," CJI Surya Kant said.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner also highlighted a proposed political march, stating that the Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal "called a town hall and decided to march to the Prime Minister's residence," and urged that "another July 20 incident should be avoided."

The apex court declined to comment on the proposed event. "They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle (it)," the CJI said.

The matter has been directed to be listed separately.

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CJP Protest At Jantar Mantar

The petition comes in the backdrop of massive protests held at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper leak. The agitation, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), brought together student groups and prominent activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, who was hospitalised following days of hunger strike, demanding the Education Minister's resignation.

The CJP's planned march to Parliament on July 20 turned chaotic amid a lathi-charge and the use of tear gas, with alleged force by security personnel leaving several protesters injured. The agitation was called off by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke on July 25 after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister and the Centre agreed to fulfil the protesters' demands.

(With Inputs From PTI)


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