The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the Union and the Delhi Governments on a plea contending that Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable venue for holding protests and demonstrations in the national capital, citing concerns over public safety, access and basic amenities.
The petitioner Satish Chand Kaushik seeks directions to designate an alternate site in the national capital for protests.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant , termed the issue “important”, and asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions from the Centre on the issues raised in the petition.
“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, sanitation, supply of medical essentials etc. I think this is important. Please take instructions, Mr. Solicitor,” the CJI said.
The petition argues that Jantar Mantar is no longer appropriate for peaceful protests because of difficulties relating to entry and exit, particularly in the event of a medical emergency. It also highlights the lack of adequate drinking water and other basic amenities for people participating in demonstrations.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner referred to the recent student protests in Delhi and submitted that preventive measures were necessary to avoid a recurrence of the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” incident. He submitted that a taxi drivers’ union has announced a protest at the venue, and Arvind Kejriwal has also called a town hall at the site and a march to the Prime Minister’s residence.
Responding to the submission, the CJI said the authorities were competent to deal with law and order issues.
“They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle,” the Chief Justice remarked.
Case : SATISH CHAND KAUSHIK Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 930/2026
