Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Plea to Shift Protest Site from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding that Jantar Mantar in central Delhi should no longer be used as a primary venue for public protests. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued formal notices to the Central Government and asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from relevant authorities regarding alternative locations for public demonstrations.

The petition, filed by advocate Satish Chand Kaushik, argues that frequent and continuous agitation at Jantar Mantar creates massive traffic chaos, blocks regular movement for local residents, and severely disrupts essential services. The plea points out that the narrow lanes around the monument make it difficult for emergency vehicles, ambulances, and everyday supplies to reach local neighborhoods whenever large crowds assemble.

Observing that the concerns raised about public convenience and basic facilities are important, the apex court directed the Centre to review the matter and submit its response. The petitioner has suggested shifting designated protest grounds to larger and more open areas in the national capital, such as Ramlila Maidan, where public gatherings can be managed without causing daily hardships to nearby residents.