'Jantar Mantar May Not Be the Right Protest Site': Supreme Court Asks Govt to Consider Plea
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Jantar Mantar News: The Supreme Court asked the Centre to examine a plea seeking an alternative to Jantar Mantar, citing inconvenience and traffic disruptions.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, August 3: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider a plea seeking an alternative to Jantar Mantar for protests, citing public inconvenience and traffic disruption. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan, who said the issue was "important" and issued notices to the Centre. The court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions from the authorities on the issues raised.
"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," the CJI said.
The petition was filed by Satish Chand Kaushik, who submitted that protests at Jantar Mantar, located in the heart of Delhi, create difficulties for local residents and disrupt the supply of essential goods and medical services. He sought an alternative arrangement for holding demonstrations.
During the proceedings, the counsel for the petitioner also referred to a proposed political march, submitting that "Arvind Kejriwal called a town hall and decided to march to the Prime Minister's residence," and said that "another July 20 incident should be avoided."
Responding to the submission, the bench 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.
