Supreme Court Seeks Explanation for Removal of Jantar Mantar as Protest Venue

The Supreme Court issued notice on a challenge to Delhi Police’s October 11 decision withdrawing Jantar Mantar’s designation as a protest venue and naming three alternatives.

Background and dispute

Petitioners say the new locations do not offer the same opportunity for public demonstrations to be heard. The Solicitor General said the decision followed a committee report and was not based on a Supreme Court direction.

Legal issue and court’s approach

The Bench said it would examine whether the competent authority properly considered the practical use and efficacy of the location. The observations arose at a preliminary hearing, not a final adjudication of the police standing order.

Order and practical consequence

The government and police must explain the decision; the de-notification was not suspended at this hearing.