Supreme Court Suggests Identifying New Venue for Protests in Delhi

The Supreme Court of India on Friday urged a reassessment of Delhi’s long-standing practice of using Jantar Mantar as the primary venue for public demonstrations. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana observed that the capital city requires a larger and better-equipped space where citizens can exercise their democratic right to protest without disrupting public safety or emergency services.The court directed that the Delhi Police commissioner and other relevant competent authorities should consider identifying an alternative site. The bench emphasized that any newly designated venue must be equipped with essential amenities, including drinking water, portable cabins, toilet facilities, and medical support. Furthermore, the court noted that the location should be spacious enough to accommodate demonstrators while ensuring that emergency services remain accessible to those in need.This directive emerged during the hearing of petitions challenging extensive restrictions placed on metro and railway services in anticipation of protests scheduled for October 10. During the proceedings, the bench advised the Centre and the Delhi Police to reconsider the implementation of blanket transit bans, noting that preventive security measures should remain proportionate and not disproportionately affect the daily movement of millions of residents. The court highlighted that many logistical challenges currently associated with demonstrations stem from the geographical constraints of the Jantar Mantar area.The Supreme Court has asked the authorities to take an appropriate decision regarding the designation of a new site, suggesting that such a move would facilitate peaceful protests while reducing the complications currently associated with public gatherings in the city.