New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a PIL seeking an alternative venue for protests, arguing that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi inconvenience residents and disrupt essential services.
A bench comprising the Chief Justice and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to the Centre and other respondents on the plea filed by Satish Chand Kaushik. It also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from the authorities on the concerns raised in the petition.
The plea argued that protests at Jantar Mantar create difficulties for local residents and affect the movement of essential goods and medical supplies. It sought arrangements for demonstrations at another location.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice noted that the petition raised concerns over access and movement in the area, particularly the ingress and egress of people and the supply of medical essentials.
The petitioner’s counsel also referred to a proposed political march during the proceedings, mentioning a town hall called by Arvind Kejriwal and a decision to march towards the Prime Minister’s residence. The counsel said that another incident similar to the July 20 episode should be avoided.
The bench, however, declined to comment on the proposed event, saying the authorities were responsible for handling it.
The court directed that the matter be listed separately. With notices issued to the Centre, the plea will now be considered separately on the demand for an alternative protest venue, citing concerns over access, movement and essential services around Jantar Mantar.
