Delhi High Court debates future of Jantar Mantar protest site

The Delhi High Court reopened debate over Jantar Mantar's status as the capital’s designated protest venue. Justice Amit Mahajan questioned why demonstrations should be allowed in the city centre, noting inconvenience to residents and impact on traffic and emergency services. The hearing stemmed from a petition by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee seeking police permission for a peaceful protest on 10 August.

The court’s remarks revived a broader discussion that dates back to the 1990s when Jantar Mantar replaced the Boat Club near India Gate, and to the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the right to peaceful assembly while directing guidelines. Recent large‑scale protests by the Cockroach Janta Party over alleged exam paper leaks, which drew thousands of students and ended in clashes with police, have intensified calls to retain the site. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das defended the venue, urging “hands off Jantar Mantar” and warning that removing it would leave demonstrators with few alternatives.