SC & HC Pleas Challenge Jantar Mantar Denotification As Delhi Gets New Sites
The row surrounding the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue has intensified, with legal challenges filed before the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. A plea before the apex court contends that the ban impacts citizens' rights to peaceful protest and dissent, while the Indian Youth Congress has also approached the Delhi High Court demanding accessible demonstration venues. Meanwhile, political tensions escalated following the arrest and five-day judicial remand of Cockroach Janta Party leaders for alleged trespassing at the site. Authorities have reiterated that demonstrations will no longer be permitted at Jantar Mantar under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, warning that unlawful assembly, police obstruction, or defiance of lawful orders could attract detention, heavy penalties, and imprisonment. In place of Jantar Mantar, three alternative protest locations have been designated across the capital: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground, with differing participant capacities.